Entry #2 -- Stuff and Nonsense

The more common definitions of “stuff” generally have something to do with items that have very little value or worth, and generally have only temporary value to the owner.  Boy, oh boy, do I have a lot of STUFF.  I keep thinking, “Hey, maybe I’ll need that sometime.” 

Ironically, my grandmother was very tidy and organized.  She always told me she didn’t want people picking over her STUFF when she was gone, so she was always pretty particular about what she kept and what she let go.  My husband tells me that he doesn’t remember people by what they have (or had), but by who they are (or who they were).  This has had a profound impact on me lately—to the point that I have hauled boxes out of my closet and have begun the process of sifting through them to let go of STUFF.

I have a dear friend who loves to hand piece and hand quilt. While visiting with her this past week, she accomplished two things (whether she is aware or not).  We talked about my desire to start writing again. She was very supportive—just what I needed at the time. Not only that, but she is the one who gave me the title for this blog, as well as some scripture passages I will share in a moment.  She shared with me that it is NONSENSE to collect STUFF, because it isn’t stuff that is important.

Perhaps the most familiar passage on this point is…

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

The real question becomes, “What kind of treasure can I store up?”  I suppose one could answer in many ways…my answer is this:

“A good name is more desirable than great riches…”  Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)

“A good name is better than fine perfume…”  Ecclesiastes 7:1 (NIV)

Apparently, this was so important King Solomon-wisest of the wise—said it twice!

(speaking of end times) “But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.”  Daniel 12:1 (NIV)

(speaking of the Good Shepherd)  “He calls his own sheep by name…”  John 10:3 (NIV)

(the best promise)  “He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white.  I will never erase his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.”  Revelation 3:5 (NIV)

(speaking of future glory) “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”  Revelation 21:27 (NIV)

What have you done with your name lately? When people think of your name do they immediately think of someone who is trustworthy, honest, fair, cheerful, or encouraging? I suppose the greatest question of all is this:  What does your Heavenly Father think when he hears your name? Is your name written in the Lamb’s book of life?

Wow, I sure have a lot to think about.  And, I have plenty of time to ponder this…you see, I still have several more boxes of STUFF to clean out! 

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian