We tend to travel through life with excess baggage. The airlines charge us for the extra weight or over-sized baggage. Life will “fine” us, too. You’ve likely been asked, “Have you made Jesus your Lord and Savior?” Quickly, we respond “Yes!” Let’s slow down a minute. If we are born again, thank God we’ll spend eternity in Heaven with Him. But, is Christ really my Lord? Lord, by definition is a ruler, master, or head of household. Do I ask Him when it comes to making decisions? Do I ask His help concerning how I spend my time and resources? A quick look at my calendar and checkbook will inform those answers. Often times, we frustrate ourselves with our stuff and our busy. We’re overwhelmed by the chaos we’ve created and the clutter we’ve accumulated. So, what can we do about this?
First, we must examine our lives and ensure that He is “first” (Matthew 6:33). We should also do a stewardship check on the following: time, treasure (money and resources) and talent (abilities and gifts). Are we good stewards of what God has given us? Do we need to let go of anything? Martin Luther said: “I have held many things in my hand, and have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands that I still possess.”
As the saying goes, “Less is more.” Instead of super-sizing many areas of our lives, perhaps we should declutter and downsize. It reminds me of one of my wife’s sermons, “It’s Not What You Give Up, It’s What You Gain.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. In short: Honor God and obey Him.