So Why is Decluttering Not the Point?
Decluttering is not the point of simple living, despite what most people think. When I got rid of a ton of our possessions my mind became uncluttered. I was able to see what was going on. I had been consumed with consuming all of the time. I started reading more. I read the Bible more than before, and other books about Biblical Minimalism. It was complete shock to see what God says in the Bible about possesions, that we are to not own more than what we need.
Being a Christian for most of my life, and yet having no idea how much God talks about this. I did not understand how I could have missed it. Then I started talking about with everyone around me, because it was something I felt a lot of Christians did not know.
Simple Living Is About Doing Things That Matter
When you look at your house, what do you see? I used to see so many toys all over the place, and clothes piled high in the laundry. Without all of the extra things, there is a manageable amount of laundry to do. The kids are now able to keep their rooms picked up. They are not overwhelmed with the amount of toys they have. Life does not have to be what society has told us.
God has a better idea of what is good for us. He wants us to be able to manage all of the things we own, so that we can really hear Him. So that we can really see Him. Isn’t that powerful? Just knowing the creator of the universe has something better for you? If we are following His guidance, then we become so much more content. We won’t have to look for things to fill us.
The goal of simple living is not about having the least amount of stuff that you could own. It is more than that. Simple living is about getting rid of the distractions, that the possessions cause so that you can focus on what is important. Decluttering things is so that you can actually live with less stress. In my case, it was that God was not where He should be in my life.
Simple living is about only doing the things that matter. It is about living in your means, and having the possessions that you need. Simple Living is about having more time for family, and less cleaning to do. It is about having the time to volunteer at church, or help a neighbor. Decluttering is only a piece of the puzzle to a less stressful, and more fulfilled life.
God Wants to Mold Us
God wants to mold us, but we need to have the right ingredients to be able to get there. We need to really be able to really be able to slow down, and listen to what He is trying to tell us. He wants us to wait for Him, and slow down. To be obedient to Him, and to not be so consumed with worldly possessions. Our lives as Christians on this earth are meant to glorify God. We will not be really fulfilled unless we are doing what He has designed for us.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%204%3A9-12&version=NIV
Proverbs 3: 5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Lamentations 3:25-26
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2
If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come to you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
So What is the Point of Decluttering?
It is the thing that allows us to see what truly is important in our lives. It is really hard to pay attention to God, and His word, when we are cleaning all of the time. I know as a mom, if I am constantly going to so many places, constantly cleaning I am not really able to focus on God. I am not even able to be focused on my kids. As women we often are so worried about the condition of our home, that we feel like it is how people see us. That our home is a reflection of who we are. It is not who you are. It is not important. God and the people in your life are what is important.
I cannot tell you the excitement it gives me to have a simple home. To know that Jesus wants us to do this, so that we can focus on Him. Living in obedience to this allows me to feel His presence within me. It gives me purpose to give my children a simple, but beautiful life in Christ. That He is our purpose, and not accumulating possessions. Your home and all that is in it is not the point. Decluttering your home is not the point. Jesus is. I share all of this, so that you can find the joy in Jesus just as I have.
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