The One Thing for April 16, 2012

Monday Greetings!

I have a little list of “the one thing” that I’m working through.  After last night’s service I reshuffled the list.  Our most recent Panama Mission’s team gave their report to the church last night and did an outstanding job.   Jamie Lopez in particular touched my heart and reminded me of a commitment that I’ve recently made.  The one thing that I want you to think about today is: “Don’t die with a full closet.”What I’m trying to communicate here is not an “anti-clothes” mentality or being ashamed of owning good clothes.  Matter of fact, I say buy the best clothes you can afford; but do so with the intention of wearing them for a long time.

I’m afraid that for many their closet is a reflection of the over-indulgent lifestyle that is foisted over on us today.  We are bombarded with the message that more is better.  We are told that “things” will make us happy and the more stuff – if it is the right stuff – that we have the happier we’ll be.  Thus, little by little our lives (and closets) become cluttered and burdened with lifeless stuff that in truth does not have the capacity to truly satisfy.

What I’m pointing to today is focus and stewardship.  Remember why you’re working and who you’re working for.  In reality, God, revealed to us in Jesus Christ, must be the central focus of our lives.  When we do this then the accumulation of more stuff is seen for what it is – a mirage that only leaves us more thirsty and desperate.

The empty closet is only a symbol.  It is my way of reminding myself every time I pull something off the rack that life was meant for so much more than the pursuit and accumulation of yet one more gizmo and gadget.

To be honest, I’m not where I want to be with this, but I’m getting there.  Little by little I’m weeding out all the excess and making more room in my closet and soul for that which really matters.  Will you join me?

Blessings and favor go with you,

dlkemp