Stuff. I am not a fan of stuff. Extra things on my desk, miscellaneous clutter in the corners of my home; it all just plain stresses me out! Simple has always been my preference, but truth be told I am no different than anyone else. I struggle with the need to acquire things or have just a little more of other possessions.
I was talking to some friends who had recently shown their children where they lived while attending college as a newly married couple. The apartment building they lived in was never much to look at, but years later it now sits among much newer buildings, and looks really rough. Their children looked at them oddly, questioning if they had really lived there or if they were pulling their leg. He somewhat ashamedly admitted their first apartment would probably fit in the living and dining room of their current home. His comment was, “It was enough and all we needed.”
1 Timothy 6 reminds us how we brought nothing into this world and we will leave the same way. So, why do we have a deep desire for so much? Are we constantly trying to fill an empty feeling inside that will never go away? This world is full of things; things that can so easily become idols and turn our eyes from our Creator. As we are trying to acquire and load up, what message are we really sending our children? Is it a message that the things of this world are enough and will eventually fill emptiness inside?
I was convicted the other day when the Christmas music started on KNWC. I realized while I had 95% of my Christmas shopping completed, I had not given much thought to the reason we celebrate the Christmas season. I began to feel a lump in my throat as the music played and the words pierced my heart.
Stuff…things…all paraphernalia we will eventually lose interest in or send to the second hand store. What if this year we take the same energy we use to purchase the perfect gift, and spend it on getting to know someone who doesn’t know our Savior? Maybe stop and share God’s purpose of the Christmas story with a co-worker or friend. I don’t know about you, but sharing the gift of salvation is something I’d like to lavishly give to others!
1 Timothy 6 goes on to say 9Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. Whether you did your shopping on Black Friday, sat in your PJs on the couch on Cyber Monday, or are waiting for all the bargains on December 23rd, do not fall into the trap of filling the emptiness with things that do not really fill you up at all. Instead focus on the joy of the season and the richness of the gift born in a stable that night so long ago. The gift of knowing Jesus is the only gift that will ever truly fill anyone up inside.
This Christmas, may the gift in the manger stall be enough and all you really need!
Becky Ossefoort