6 June 2017
The Value of Space
Ephesians 3:17-19
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
I read an article online the other day about how the experts recommend ways for us to de-clutter our homes. It said that people are hesitant to get rid of old stuff because of the memories associated with these items. I can relate. I have a hard time getting rid of my kids’ stuff because being a wife and mom is my most favorite thing. But if I save every single item from their childhood, there’s no literal space for us to enjoy what is to come next. The article included one expert who gives the reason behind getting rid of things we don’t need. She says that it’s because we need to “value our space as much as we value our stuff.” We need to have the room in our homes to do the things we love... “it’s what we do, not what we own, that makes life memorable and meaningful.” (Francine Jay)
When I think of how Jesus has decided to reside in my heart, it’s not a silly question to ask myself if there’s even room for him in there. I can just as easily hold on to stuff that I trust, grudges I nurse, and ways I like things to be just as naturally as I hold on to my mementos and keepsakes. But it’s not just evil clutter either; I can hang on to my yesterdays because they were so comfortable and good so much so that I could miss out on current and future opportunities to explore even further the width, length, height, and depth of God’s loving plans for me.
Although I am truly thankful for all the stuff God has given me, I must not let material things take up all the space of my heart. I must not live like I’m afraid to lose or let go of physical things I have because those are just things. Things have no eternal significance. Space is what is necessary for experience, and there’s no room for wider, longer, higher, and deeper experiences with the One who dwells in there if the whole area is filled up with my stuff.
Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. (Matthew 6:19-21)
Dear Lord Jesus,
You know I’m a pack rat. You know I have trouble letting go like I’m going to lose the memory or the blessing associated with a specific item. But you are so much bigger than my little finite capacity to live and experience. Thank you that you do not intend for me to live with the high pressure of holding on to what is important or losing it forever. The reality is that you keep all the things I really need safe in your care and bring me what I truly need every day. There’s no reason for me to be a pack rat. Help me to clean out my heart daily so there is room for you to move. I love you and thank you and pray in your name, amen.
The Value of Space
Ephesians 3:17-19
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
I read an article online the other day about how the experts recommend ways for us to de-clutter our homes. It said that people are hesitant to get rid of old stuff because of the memories associated with these items. I can relate. I have a hard time getting rid of my kids’ stuff because being a wife and mom is my most favorite thing. But if I save every single item from their childhood, there’s no literal space for us to enjoy what is to come next. The article included one expert who gives the reason behind getting rid of things we don’t need. She says that it’s because we need to “value our space as much as we value our stuff.” We need to have the room in our homes to do the things we love... “it’s what we do, not what we own, that makes life memorable and meaningful.” (Francine Jay)
When I think of how Jesus has decided to reside in my heart, it’s not a silly question to ask myself if there’s even room for him in there. I can just as easily hold on to stuff that I trust, grudges I nurse, and ways I like things to be just as naturally as I hold on to my mementos and keepsakes. But it’s not just evil clutter either; I can hang on to my yesterdays because they were so comfortable and good so much so that I could miss out on current and future opportunities to explore even further the width, length, height, and depth of God’s loving plans for me.
Although I am truly thankful for all the stuff God has given me, I must not let material things take up all the space of my heart. I must not live like I’m afraid to lose or let go of physical things I have because those are just things. Things have no eternal significance. Space is what is necessary for experience, and there’s no room for wider, longer, higher, and deeper experiences with the One who dwells in there if the whole area is filled up with my stuff.
Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. (Matthew 6:19-21)
Dear Lord Jesus,
You know I’m a pack rat. You know I have trouble letting go like I’m going to lose the memory or the blessing associated with a specific item. But you are so much bigger than my little finite capacity to live and experience. Thank you that you do not intend for me to live with the high pressure of holding on to what is important or losing it forever. The reality is that you keep all the things I really need safe in your care and bring me what I truly need every day. There’s no reason for me to be a pack rat. Help me to clean out my heart daily so there is room for you to move. I love you and thank you and pray in your name, amen.
RSS Feed