Luke 12:18 – Then he said, "I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods." (NLT)

"Where are we going put it? I think we're turning into hoarders."

My wife and I have both asked the question and made the statement. Our love for antiques — especially furniture — keeps us adding to our collection and trying to stuff them into a small townhouse. On a recent move, we decided that we were going to downsize — of sorts — not that we were going to sell anything. We would simply transfer some things from our townhouse to the storage shed.

We decided that there were a few items that we could live without seeing or using. We loaded them into the back of our sport utility vehicle and transported them several miles away. Perhaps our kids will want them someday. Or maybe, before we die, we'll once again live in a larger place. Of course, all of our stored pieces are assets that we could sell if we needed money.

Jesus told about a rich man who was a hoarder — but he wasn't into downsizing. He was into upsizing. His crops produced more than normal. His barns were full. There was nothing for him to do but build larger barns, store his goods, and eat, drink, and be merry. Life was good — or so he thought — until God confronted him and told him that his life would end that night.

Whether I actually downsize, I need at least to downsize in my thinking. Possessions are for this life. I will always love antiques and continue collecting them — and sell a few along the way. But I'm intelligent enough to know that I can't take them to heaven with me when I go.

God gives us things of this life to enjoy, but they are for earth, not heaven or the new earth. Possessions are tangible, corruptible, and breakable, and can be stolen by thieves. Placing my security or faith in them will always lead to disappointment.

My possessions bring me joy, but God expects me to use them to help others and also to advance His kingdom. Seeing what I have as temporary helps me to do this with the right attitude and avoid the rich man's selfish thinking. And if by chance, my possessions turn my focus from God, I need to downsize.

Don't let your possessions possess you. Downsize.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for all the things that You give us. Help us to use them to glorify Your name and advance Your work in this world. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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