May 21, 2011

Freedom from Stuff

How much of our lives are spent in
building and striving and clamoring for
more and more and more?

Only to weed it all out and pare it all down
until there is only a room's worth left over.

What is the point of all this gathering
and collecting and hoarding?

Is it so that we will feel secure?
Safe?
In control of our own destiny?
Successful?

We came into this world with nothing
and we will take nothing out.


"But godliness with contentment
is great gain.
For we brought nothing into
this world,
and it is certain we can
carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment
let us therwith be content."
~ I Timothy 6:6-8 ~

I cannot help but think of the
Egyptian Pharoahs of Ancient times ~
they were buried with provisions for the after life.
It is all still there...
thousands of years later ~ untouched.
The after life has no need of such supplies.

Coveteousness ~ it is SIN.

"Thou shalt not covet..."
~ Exodus 20:17a ~

We are commanded NOT
to covet ANYTHING.
Yet, do we secretly still harbour
covetousness in our hearts?

I do.

The lie that is lived out before us
over and over again ~
is that stuff is where it's at.
That things will bring joy.

Maybe.
For a moment.
Or two.

But they will not bring lasting joy.
Lasting joy is found in the LORD alone.
In HIS peace and grace alone.

May it be that God will grant us each the
ability to view things from this Biblical perspective.
May we live day by day in the freedom of it!

Many Blessings,
Camille

11 comments:

Heather's Blog-o-rama said...

Camille,
You go, girl :) :) Great Sriptures and reminders, as always ;) :)

On a random note, I love the photo of that woodsy path. I always wonder what's around the co rner :) :)

Oh, my grandmother always used to say "Be content with such things as ye have" :) :) So when I read this post, it made me think of her, too :) True words :) :)

Have a lovely weekend. Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

Wanting What I Have said...

Amen, amen, amen! I had a teacher who kept a picture of a hurst pulling a Uhaul trailer...kind of funny...and so how we live.

Unknown said...

Yes, I know this is something I need to be reminded of, Thanks!

Farmgirl said...

Very good blog Camille - challenging for sure! Thank you!

Hopes Handcrafts said...

Hallelujah! Thank you Lord for the freedom we have in YOU!

Blessings
Julia

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

I know the feeling. And getting rid of stuff is time consuming. While looking for my sandals this afternoon, I pulled out a shoe box from under the bed, where sandals were. UM..I've not opened this box for years of items that I don't really use, like things people gave me from trips. I'm going thru it tonight and most of it will go to thrift store. I have so much. I am blessed and less accumulation the better, frees oneself indeed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

PippaDavies said...

We don't appreciate God's gifts until they are taken away from us. Having the car accident last week has again reminded me of not to take anything for granted but to be blessed with what He has given us for this journey. Being content is a gift that only He can give:)When we are healthy and have everything we need we will covet in our strength; the more we have the more we want. Sad but true. But God longs to fill us with His Love and only His love. He is still Faithful. Blessings Pippa

You Can Call Me Jane said...

Amen, Camille. Thank you.

Camille said...

Dear Heather in Oregon ~ Yes, how true...content with such things as we have...may the LORD help us in this! It sounds like you had a wise Grandma. :)

Dear Jennifer ~ How true my friend...how sad it is! What an interesting teacher that must have been. :)

Dear Jenn ~ I write to myself...so, I can relate to your comment! :)

Dear Heather (Farmgirl) ~ Thank you my friend! :)

Dear Julia ~ Oh how WONDERFUL our Precious Saviour is! It's lovely to read that you think so too. :)

Dear Becky ~ You have been doing a great job of de-cluttering around your home...it feels wonderful doesn't it? Well done! :)

Dear Pippa ~ Oh I am so sorry you had a car accident! I didn't realise you did! Is everyone okay?? Do you need anything? Do let me know! :)

Dear ThyHand ~ Thank you! It's lovely to hear from you. :)

Many blessings,
Camille

Stacie, A Firefighter's Wife said...

After watching my mother cram all of her stuff with my mother's stuff, resulting in the fact that there is now a path you can take to get through her house. I keep thinking, great, I'm going to inherit all that one day. I hate stuff. I hate knic-knacs. I am a ruthless purger, which sometimes really upsets the grandparents. But if a toy is broken or no longer being played with or taken care of, it's gone!

Great post!

Camille said...

Dear Stacie ~ I hear you my friend! Yes...gone!! What a great system you have. :)

Blessings,
Camille