I well remember my mother in law standing in their living room before they moved to the assisted living facility. Almost in disgust, she said, “What are we going to do with all this stuff?”
It was a sad moment of reality. The things they had spent a life time collecting could not go with them. And beyond that, whatever they took to their next stop would eventually also have to be relinquished.
Jay and I had the task of closing both of our parents’ homes. Some things that had been treasures to them got passed on and became treasures to others.
But there were also treasures that became part of the bargain basement of auction sales or even worse, went in the trash.
It is a bitter pill to swallow to realize that what are treasures to me could end up in a similar destination.
Jay and I have tried repeatedly to clean out our basement. Each time it has tested our marriage to the limits. We simply cannot agree on what should go and what should stay.
After heated discussions about who is a collector and who is a hoarder, we gave up. However, as I have continued to pray about what God would have us do with “all this stuff,” He has brought these thoughts to mind.
Everything is His. He is The Owner. So to be truthful, I cannot say anything is exclusively mine.
So I started through boxes and asked Him where these things should go. I, of course, began with things I had already decided I could part with.
He said, “What about those things over there?”
I explained those were things I definitely wanted to keep. I told them they were my treasures.
He sighed. So your treasure is in boxes in your basement? Do you remember what I had to say about treasures?
Let’s stop for a moment and review.
Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luke 12:34
“Is this your heart in this basement in these boxes? Let’s review what else I said.”
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:19-20
“Well, what should I do?” I asked.
I wasn’t sure I liked His Answer.
If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.
Matthew 19:21
He added, “One more thing. If you believe those things over there are treasures, why are you not sharing them with the rest of My children?”
“You really don’t have to sell everything. Some things you can joyfully give away. Why don’t we start with that? You pick it up and I’ll tell you who would be delighted to receive it.”
“But first you must settle in your heart whether you can release it. Paul got it right when he said I love a cheerful giver.”
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver!
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
I am praying about what He said. Maybe you would like to pray too about your “stuff.”
You don’t have to answer here, but consider — Where is your treasure? Where is your heart?
