Stuff

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

I don’t know where the messages or references on “stuff” began, but I remember first hearing it from Ron Cline, probably 30 years ago. Since then, I’ve accumulated a lot of “stuff.”

How much do you have that you don’t use anymore? How much do you have that you don’t need? Why do you keep it? Or, more importantly, why do you continue to purchase more “stuff?”

We’ve moved 4 times in the last 10 years. Each time we had to downsize, which is a nice way of saying that we rid ourselves of some stuff. After all that downsizing, we are now in a relatively small apartment and still have too much stuff. But guess what, we buy more!

I do not perceive that we are alone in this. So perhaps this is more of a confessional than a devotional.

So here’s my point: I know someone who is verbally fanatical about the poor, disenfranchised, refugees, etc., yet his overall practice does not reflect his outward largesse. Does he need two cars? Does he need to go on expensive vacations? Does he need a house up north and a place in FL? Shall I go on?

What would happen if he and all of the other crusaders for the poor put their money where their mouths are—that is, sell what they have and give it to the poor (does that sound at all like Luke 18:22, the rich, young ruler?) AND stop buying more stuff.

What would happen if the rich liberals gave as much as the rich conservatives? What would happen if all churches and Christians began to give generously to food drives, food pantries, rescue missions, the Salvation Army, etc. instead of purchasing more stuff?

On the other hand, what would happen if we stopped buying stuff and gave that money instead only to those who really need help and not all of the freeloaders? What would happen if we insisted that those on the receiving end who are capable, do something to earn the contribution? What would happen if we enforced the laws which are already on the books and discontinued rewarding illegals and deadbeats?

Quite honestly, I’m tired of being chastised by pseudo-benefactors whose lives do not come close to matching their actions. They love to accuse rich people and Christians of being hypocrites but forget to look in the mirror.

And don’t look to me as your poster-boy. I’ve got a lot to learn and a long way to go. You should see all the stuff I still have! How about you?

 

Written By Neil Fichthorn: Rev. Neil Fichthorn is a seasoned conference and camping servant having served at Gull Lake Bible Conference, Sandy Cove Ministries as President, and an interim Executive Director at Pinebrook Bible Conference. He also served in church music for decades as a choir director and arranger. He has been Bill Welte’s mentor and friend for over 45 years.

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Think About This: “Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.” – Billy Graham

The Daily Bible Reading: Lamentations 1-4| You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: ¹⁵ For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men 1 Peter 2:15

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.