Too Much Stuff?

Read: Philippians 4:10-19

Context: These are among the closing words Paul has for the Philippian church.

Text:
10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

I admit it, I am a clutterbug (kind of like a packrat, only it sounds better). I like stuff...pretty stuff, interesting stuff, fun stuff. And not only me...everyone in my family seems to collect stuff. The problem is that we keep bringing things into the house but we seldom throw things out. Don't get me wrong, we don't collect everything. I am perfectly comfortable throwing away egg cartons, plastic butter containers, and odd pieces of cardboard.

Over the years, this habit has actually been helpful for other people. I found someone who had been holding on to an old crockpot without a lid...I had the lid! But often, this cool stuff just ends up being something else to dust. I'm learning that this habit may be a throw back to my parents and grandparents generations...those who have been through the depression tend to be very careful to store things away for a rainy day.

Due to a water hose break, we have been doing a lot of household remodel ling. And all that 'stuff' is in piles for everyone to see. But the stuff we collect internally, old baggage, unfulfilled dreams, resentment, dissatisfaction, is usually hidden away. When we have emotional disasters, these things become obvious to others, too. Stuff, in any form, gets in the way of the peace God wants us to have.

I want to declutter my life, inside and out, so I can better see the blessings God has for me...blessings that have nothing to do with 'stuff'. Anyone want my old 'stuff'?