By Terry Clark
Worldly distractions can inhibit our abounding in the work of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58). The parable of the sower (Mathew 13:1-9) tells of the seed that fell among thorns and was choked by the thorns. Verse 22 explains “Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.” If permitted, many things can consume us, detract from our service to God, and render us unproductive. Careers, hobbies, sports, politics, entertainment, material possessions, wealth, and the like are not inherently wrong, but they become wrong when placed ahead of God.
Some may attend church regularly, believing they are doing a good thing but `other stuff’ inhibits them being an active member of the body of Christ. James 1:22-25 states “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
Jesus provided counsel to the rich young ruler in Mathew 19:16-22 when asked what good thing needed to be done to have eternal life. Jesus stated “keep the commandments”, to which the young man later replied “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus responded “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Are the cares of this world and `other stuff’ standing in your way of truly serving God? If so, it is time to declutter.