Tyranny of the Stuff
The fewer your desires, the richer you will be.There is a subtle tyranny that we live under. In theological terms it might be referred to as “self” or “life,” but in our vernacular it is “stuff.” We have stuff, we accumulate stuff, and it seems that we always want more stuff. Our self-image is often defined by the stuff we have.
God doesn’t mind your having stuff. He doesn’t require that you be an absolute pauper with so few possessions that they would fit into a backpack. But God does want you to live free from the tyranny of your stuff. You shouldn’t be so enamored with the stuff you have (and the new stuff you want) that it interferes with your pursuit of God. In other words, your possession of stuff is a problem only if you are afraid to give it all up if God asks you to do so.
How important is your stuff to you?
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little.
Philippians 4:11
So true, so true. When reading “tryanny Of The Stuff” I could see myself enslaved for so many years, wanting and chasing the best car, the nicest clothes, etc. This desire was constant and intense. It invaded my daily life and thoughts and was kept alive by commercials and peers. It is a true tyranny and blinded me to seeking God. ‘Stuff’ only masked the pain of life caused by a lack of deeper faith.
Somewhere in life, frustrations led me to ask God for answers to my life (since answers weren’t found in my ’stuff).
I have to learn to be willing to listen for His word to let things go. It works when you listen.
Life gets richer, while ’stuff’ gets unimportant.
Relationships get better, while hurts dissipate.
Greg