Can you give it all away?

I tend to be one that likes to hold onto things for far longer than necessary. You just never know when you might need something. Yet, it’s rather easy to discard those things I count as trivial. But what about those things in which we hold dear? 

 

 

As I reflected upon Philippians 3:8, I noticed that Paul didn’t mention not one tangible  possession in the preceding verses. Instead he spoke about pedigree, position, and passionate religious pursuits. All of which could have easily lead to pride; however, he willing tossed it all aside.  Trashing personal trinkets is often far easier than doing away with the accolades of others, personal achievements, and positions of prestige.

 

Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant - dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ. Philippians 3:8 (The Message)

 

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Can’t Afford to Trash it

So do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded. Hebrews 10:35 NIV

Paper, plastic, computers, old furniture, cell phones, food scraps, and even unused medicines are just of few of the many things that find its way to dumpsters daily. According to the EPA, Americans discarded 250 MILLION tons of trash in 2008. Each of us contributing about 4.5 pounds of trash daily.

Whew, I knew paper had a way of accumulating around my home and office but those statistics are surprising.  From the looks of the piles of paper around here, it’s time for me to buckle down and do a thorough purging. Some things I hang onto way too long. Beyond the paper, there are times I have to consciously throw out stinky thinking, complaining, and clear out useless activities from my daily routine.

At times the stresses of life and work pile up so high threatening to smother out my hope and expectation. However, Hebrews reminds me to keep a firm grasp of my confidence in God.

Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. Hebrews 10:35 (AMP)

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Discarded Things

As I walked this morning, my mind began to reflect on my walking companion-my sweet dog Bella. Just a couple of years ago, she found herself among discarded cats and dogs at a local humane society. It’s uncertain how she found herself there. Perhaps at one time, she had loving owners, who through no fault of their own could no longer provide for her. So they thought it best to send her away. Or maybe, she was a prize possession that simply got lost and couldn’t find her way back home. For whatever reasons, she was among the lost or discarded.

Yet today, she smells all fresh from her bath last night. She’s fed and has toys, comfy bed, ribbons and even a few clothes. She has everything that she needs and my sister jokingly says Bella is living better than she ever lived in life. If that’s true or not I don’t know but as I thought about her, I thought about how we sometimes find ourselves discarded by others. Whether it is through divorces, broken friendships, or job terminations, someone somewhere decided you were no longer useful. The scenarios are different but the outcome or feelings are the same-discarded like a napkin or once beloved toy.

But just as Bella found a new place to belong, God does the same thing for us. Although others couldn’t perceive our value, He will connect us with others, who will embrace that which was discarded. And we’ll find our latter end more enjoyable than what we experienced in the past.

Lord, I thank you that even when others throw us way, you never leave us. We thank you for connections with others, who’ll embrace and cherish that in which you’ve placed in us. Forgive us for how we failed to see the value in others and we pray that you will connect them to individuals who will nurture them. In Jesus name.