Our Substance

Proverbs 3:9.."Honour the Lord with thy substance."

I know this "substance" refers to money in this reference. But I have been thinking about the definition of substance that means: "matter; anything that takes up space".

Has anyone else thought about all the different kinds of clutter we let in our doors and whether it is all honoring God. I have really been trying to "declutter" my life in more ways than one.

My mother grew up in the depression years with few worldly possessions. She wasn't a big spender,  but she really was a collector. I was privileged, in the last eight months of her life,  to be her caregiver. She and I spent a great deal of time sorting through all her "stuff". What a challenge! A lesson learned: do this job before your children  have to!

Now, I am not saying my mother was dishonorng God. I believe she was thinking she was thrifty by saving styrofoam trays and plastic bags!!!! She remembered the day when she had nothing and couldn't bring herself to discard those kinds of luxuries!

But my generation has had it all! And our children haven't known want of much at all! Thus we tend to have "stuff" in every fashion surrounding us!

I don't know how I became a collector of dishes! It wasn't until I made a couple of moves in three years, after being in one location for several years, that I was embarrassed at the boxes I needed just for dishes! I was reminded of visiting a missionary one time, several years ago, and seeing she had some very mismatched plates and cups. I generously asked if I could send her a new set.  Was I surprised when she told me, "No, thanks,  I have a lot of native visitors,  and I wouldn't want to appear to be so much better than them." How do you think that made me feel? I have actually had to ask myself some tough questions. And I have been simplifying. I think God is pleased. Because it is a sacrifice for me. I really liked all my dishes, some if which may have been used once a year, if that! I am still working on it though I've made a lot of progress!

My husband and I both love good books. Instead of buying new bookshelves,  we now limit ourselves to the ones we have. We limit our purchase of new books; accessing audiobooks or the local library.

I am a lover of beauty and harmony in my home. But, I have learned to recycle to satisfy my need for change. I can grab scissors, a sewing machine and some spray paint and have a  lot of fun!! Long ago, I decided that my home is a place for living comfortably,  and expensive "stuff" was something that didn't belong.  I do not want to be upset when something is broken or misused. I do have a few treasured family pieces but they are safely blended into my decor and I make them useful. I love my family and guests to feel warm and welcomed and I want to be relaxed with them.

I feel like God wants honor in the way I dress. I want to be convicted if I spend too much time, money or space on filling my closet.  It is an effort to pass up the sale rack in the store when I love a good bargain!  The bottom line is I don't need a thing!

I want it to be a priority to be practical in stocking my kitchen. The grocery isles are full of temptation to splurge!  My only hope is to discipline myself to stay with the list and abide by the sage advice of not shopping when I am hungry. I will not let myself be influenced by tempting advertisement in any form.I like to try new recipes but I also am more dedicated to the tried and true! The two main criteria I try to practice  are God-honoring and simple. Plan nutriciously and economically.

I am always challenged by the old poem,  " If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two....." If Proverbs 2:9 is referring to our money,  then where's a better place  to start  saving than with all our "stuff"? I am part of the generation of free spenders, who rarely think twice about honoring God.  I am glad my parents didn't let me be spoiled with everything I wanted, but I am surrounded by ostentatious living. It's hard not to be affected by this lifestyle. I want to make a conscious effort to not be a part of it and choose to live simply!