5:85 – Make space for what’s important

#faithbites #faithjourney space

Intro

Today was a day when I could have slept in. No wife, no kids, nothing on the agenda. But the dog had other plans. While I wanted to go back to bed, there was clutter and junk everywhere. We’ve talked about clearing the clutter both physically and spiritually so we have more room and can be closer to God. Today, I thought that while I know I need to get rid of this stuff and clean, it could wait until another day. My family would say take some me time and do it later. I can’t work like that. Instead of thinking I had to do it, I told myself I get to do it. Once I got that stuff done, and no it didn’t have to be perfect, I could enjoy myself.

Questions

• When you need to clear the clutter, how do you motivate yourself?
• What prevents you from making space in your life for what’s important, including God?

Scripture

• Romans 12:2 – 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.
• Ephesians 4:31-32 – ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Reflection

We all have chores, tasks, and things we think we have to do that take us away from what we want to do. Add to that, the physical junk we live with clutters up everything. Together, we have overactive minds, overscheduled lives, and too much stuff. We need to make space for God and his plan both physically and mentally.

Romans 12:2 shows us that we shouldn’t conform to what this world says is important. Do we need more stuff? Is that next phone really what we need? Is going to all the events. all the time, what is best for us? Then Ephesians 4:31-32 provides directions on how to clear the spiritual clutter. Once we get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and malice, we are ready to embrace love, compassion, forgiveness, reconciliation, and one another. This all takes time and you have to start now. Baby steps in clearing the clutter will help you make progress without feeling overwhelmed.

As we close, remember don’t put off until tomorrow or later when you can start to make space now. Clear your mind by doing the small things now, so you can rest, enjoy yourself, and be open to what God has in store for you.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for blessing us with so much. You give us so many physical things, social events, and opportunities. Sometimes we think we need to have everything all the time. We ask that you help us clear the clutter to make space for you. Help us see what is important and then give us the energy to act on it. We pray this in your name, Amen.