Clutter

I am on a never-ending quest to de-clutter my personal world. As an example, I bought a book a few years ago called the "The Office Clutter Cure" that gives ideas and encouragement on getting rid of things in the office environment that just take up space and provide barriers from being as productive as we can be. I was amazed at the kinds of things I had accumulated that I didn't really think about getting rid of until I read that book. It inspired me to throw away old name tags, a mound of papers, and even some of my old college textbooks. (I have to admit--those were the hardest to let go of. I love books, and my argument for keeping them was "What if I ever need to look at those again?" even though I haven't opened their pages in 20 years.) There are things at home that I also need to periodically purge from the house so that they don't keep getting in my way. I have to keep telling myself, "They exist to serve me, not the other way around."

We often need to de-clutter our lives as well. There are so many things that can distract us and keep us from doing the important things. Often, they are not bad in and of themselves, but they distract our attention and keep our focus on things of this world instead of those things that will matter eternally. Other times, they are actually bad for us, sinful activities that take us farther away from God. The writer of Hebrews said, "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Are there things in your life that distract your attention from where it needs to be? Are they obstacles to serving the Lord? Do they keep you from focusing on the things and the people that are most important? If so, maybe it's time to de-clutter.

Have a great week, and keep your eyes on things that matter.

(From the Johnson Street Youth Group Trumpeter, 5/4/08)