God And Stuff

Sunday Chris admitted that he has introduced his kids to the show LOST, which he claims is at the top of the list of best shows ever, so that they can all binge watch it together. Well, I’m not gonna lie… we did that a few years back based on our son’s recommendation and we did enjoy it… mostly… BUT, I was under the weather today and decided to take a look at the organization guru everyone is talking about and I did some binge watching myself. Tidying Up With Marie Kondo on Netflix. Now, that’s a life changer! It beats the (neatly folded) socks off of LOST!

After listening to Chris’ sermon Sunday about the importance of how you spend your money and how much Jesus really does care about that, coupled with advise from Marie Kondo, mingled with the experience of raising a zillion kids, or so, and seasoned with a conversation I have had with a few moms about the burden stuff places on their shoulders, I am convinced that one of the most important concepts we can share with our kids from the words of Jesus is that it is truly impossible to focus on the God who saves us when we are focused on the stuff that is controlling us.

Now, if you are done reading because that was the longest run on sentence in the history of the written word, just hang in there. I won’t do it again. At least in this blog. Promise. But, I was on a roll and I just couldn’t help myself!

Jesus said, “You can’t love God and stuff.”

Pastor Chris said, “Over 40% of what Jesus taught was about the danger and pain and harm that comes from overvaluing our stuff.”

Marie says, “When you keep things that don’t spark joy, you can’t get to the things that do.”

Parents say, “Clean up your room or your grounded… and I’m going to trash it if it’s still a mess tomorrow!” Which brought joy to nobody, EVER!

Children say, “I’m bored! There is nothing to do,” as they sit in a house so full of toys and games that they can’t identify anything that looks remotely fun.

Parents, part of teaching your kids to be respectful involves teaching them to care for their belongings. If they leave a mess behind, they are showing disrespect to everyone that shares the home with them. They are essentially expecting others to step over their things or take care of them for them. They show disrespect to the person who sacrificed to purchase that item for them when they don’t value it enough to put it in its place. Teach them to be respectful and responsible by teaching them to be tidy with their belongings. These lessons come much easier when there isn’t SO. MUCH. STUFF.

Most kids that I know would be overwhelmed with the task of putting everything in their room in its proper place because they have more stuff than they have place! It’s not likely that they are the ones responsible for that. Most of what your kids own didn’t get there because they saved their money and went on a shopping spree.  Sure… I hear you… blame the grandparents! But, it is still your home and your rules and if there is more than your child can manage, give it away and teach them generosity. Pack it away and recycle the toys from time to time. Don’t allow their room to get to a place where there is so much that it causes them anxiety. A clean and tidy room opens up all kinds of space for creativity and make-believe and fun.

An over-abundance of things begins to build within us a need for more. We fill our closets yet we have nothing to wear. We fill the toy box, yet we are bored. We fill our cupboards, but there’s nothing to eat. It doesn’t make sense, does it? But you know it’s true.

Imagine a world where we teach our children to fix their eyes on the God who wants to lavish us with abundant life… that isn’t about stuff. Imagine showing them how to look out at the needs around them rather than in at the greed that our human nature breeds. Imagine knowing from early childhood that when your stuff takes over your heart, it leaves no room for Jesus.

What would it take for you to purge away all that makes your child’s home appear to be a shrine for stuff worshipers rather than God worshipers? This may seem like I’ve gone to meddling in your private affairs. I really haven’t peaked in your windows. I haven’t listened at your door. But, I know how our culture of wanting to provide more for our kids than we had can turn into a monster taking over your home. Teach them well. Less is more. Make room for the joy of simple living. It is a great step in the right direction of raising joy-filled, generous kids who have room to grow and thrive.