Getting Rid of STUFF

I’ve been preparing for a move for the past 12 months after 25 years in the same home. And by preparation, I mean getting rid of stuff.

I sold stuff.

I gave away stuff.

And I tossed more stuff.

All that eliminating gave me a false sense of security. “I’m ready,” I told myself. “I’ve removed so many things hiding in closets, boxed up in the garage, and yes, even sitting in plain sight. Whatever is left is what I want to take with me when it’s time to move.”

Well, it’s time. The past 2 weeks have been filled with me filling boxes. Little ones and big ones. Light ones and heavy ones. And as I packed each and every box, I discovered more things I don’t need, yet thought I needed for years up to this week.

Problem is, I would clear out unnecessary items from a space, only to return the next day to find what appeared to be as much stuff as there was before. These inanimate objects shouldn’t be able to multiply, but I’m convinced they do. Turn out the light, shut the door, wait 24 hours, and voila! Big stuff has given birth to lots of little stuff.

So much. Too much.

Then I sensed the Lord’s loving and needed conviction. Look in the closets of your own heart, Ava. What unnecessary stuff is not only piled high, but multiplying too?

Ouch. Sigh. And ouch again.

Put Off and Put On

My “putting off” list is longer than I’d like to admit. Pride, selfish desires, self-righteousness, anger, envy . . . the list will continue to grow unless I take a stand against them. These aren’t just unnecessary attitudes; they’re harmful, too. Harmful to my own spiritual growth and harmful to my relationships. And I need to kick them to the curb and replace them, putting on attitudes the Holy Spirit is working to nurture in my life.

The apostle Paul wrote about the importance of this in several of his letters, including:

• “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2 ESV).

• “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:14 ESV).

• “Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV).

• “And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:10 ESV).

I’m moving into a new home in a few days. And when I do, it’s not just physical stuff I’m committed to leaving behind. There’s spiritual baggage I’m letting go of as well.

Will you join me in getting rid of stuff? Share in the comments what that looks like in your life.