Why Do You Have So Much Stuff? {Lent Readings}

Of American homes with garages, only 20% can fit a car inside. Our closets are crammed to overflowing. Our counter spaces are clutter-collectors.

Why do we have so much stuff?

And what would Jesus have us do with it?

If you’re riding the Marie Kondo wave, you’ve likely pared down your wardrobe lately or donated a few underused toys.

But how can we avoid the clutter to start with?

As we walk 40 days with the Storyteller during Lent, our first three readings this week reveal our cluttered hearts.

Filling Up on God? Or Stuff?

Read Luke 12:15-21.

In Jesus’ parable of the rich man wanting bigger barns, Jesus told His listeners that hoarding our treasures here is foolish.

What kinds of things are you hoarding in your barns?

I can’t break the habit of being a digital photo hoarder. The storage capacity of my computer and external hard drives are full because I struggle to delete any photos.

But even something as harmless as family photos can become an idol if I place more value in filling up on past memories than I do in filling up on God.

What fills you up? What is getting in your way of filling up more on God?

Our identity isn’t defined by what we collect, but in who we hang out with (Luke 12:21). Let’s hold our stuff loosely.

Use Your Oil

Read Luke 12:35-40.

Jesus told the story of the wedding feast to say, “Be ready.” Stay dressed for action. Use your oil to keep your lamps burning.

But this advice isn’t only applicable to end times. Use your oil also applies to now times.

Watch for opportunities you’ll get today. Be prepared to use your stuff to act on them. Leave margin in your time, in your resources, and in your energy for the unexpected to happen.

You don’t know when Jesus will show up.

• Maybe in the needy neighbor who asks for your help.
  And blesses you with purpose.
• Maybe in the the crying child who needs your comfort.
  And who is growing your compassion.
• Maybe in the cranky co-worker who suddenly opens up to you.
  And rewards your persistence to be a friend.

Be ready to use up what you’ve been given. Be watchful for the Son of Man to show up in your day (Luke 12:40). Keep the light on for Him.

When You Know Right, Use Right

Read Luke 12:41-48.

Peter wanted to know if the parable was just for them or for everybody. Jesus replies with another parable, this time of the unfaithful servant who plays while the master is away.

Whether Jesus meant it directly for their ears or also for ours, we can learn lessons from it. Lessons such as, be a good steward with your stuff, don’t take advantage of the Lord’s generosity, and be responsible with the assignments He gives you.

The Lord blesses us with relationships, jobs (paid or unpaid), and even material possessions for His purposes. When He asks us to do the next right thing with them, let’s do it.

When we know right, let’s do right. Let’s use right everything we’ve been given. Greater gifts means greater responsibilities (Luke 12:48).

What Do We Do Now?

So why do we have so much stuff? For many different reasons, including: we collect the wrong things, we hoard what we have, we refuse to give things away.

But what are we to do with the stuff now that we have it?

• Hold it loosely.
• Use it up.
• Be a blessing with it.

As you listen to the Storyteller in this season leading to Easter Sunday, what lessons are you learning about all your stuff? Are you fasting or feasting from anything? Please share in the comments.