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As the Pastor of BFC, here in Moorhead, I need to say that I sometimes struggle with stuff; I don’t mean issues, I mean stuff, literally. I’ll admit it, I like stuff; I like it a lot, and I like a lot of it. I don’t know why? Stuff is just cool. I like electronic stuff, loud stuff, fast stuff, cool looking stuff, techno. stuff, old stuff and new stuff. I especially like powerful stuff and high quality stuff; you can keep the cheap stuff…stuff has to have the right stuff to be my stuff.
You might think that with all the acquiring of stuff that one would eventually become, well, stuffed. But I find it’s not the case. Surprisingly enough, I’ve never been truly satisfied with stuff; there is no stuff enough. Stuff just doesn’t have the stuff to stuff the need for security, contentment, joy, peace, meaning; all the stuff that makes life work.
You see, I’ve found that without Jesus residing securely in the center of my life in a real and living way, my life is like a bottomless pit that the stuff just sort of runs through. It’s not that I’ve loved my stuff more than Jesus; I’m not like the rich young ruler (I’m neither rich, young or a ruler), I truly love Jesus more than all my stuff. I’ve just looked for stuff to do for me that which only Jesus can. Stuff leaves you with a hole, but Jesus makes you whole (I know “Ya want some wine with that cheese?”). But, it’s absolutely true just the same.
I could sell everything I own, including (gulp) the Harley, but if I haven’t allowed Jesus to fill me with His peace, significance, meaning, security, purpose, love, acceptance and well being…the real stuff of life that comes in time through intimacy (real openness, honesty and fellowship) with Him, I will just find my self like the Apostle, Paul: stuff-less and coveting everything in sight. And what have I gained through loss; nothing.
Does life consist of the sum total of your stuff? Absolutely not. On the other hand is doesn’t consist of asceticism either. What it does consist of is a pursuit of Jesus; His will and His ways. To do that you will have to take your heart and hands off of your idols, and let them be just what they are; stuff. And place your heart securely and squarely in Jesus’ hands.
If Jesus tells you to get rid of some stuff so you can make that transition…do it! He’s worth it. BUT don’t do it because some religious person tells you that there is virtue in stuff-less-ness; contentment is found neither in things or the lack there of, but in Christ.
So, am I still a stuff-aholic? Not so much anymore (though I do keep the Best Buy card frozen in a block of ice in our freezer…I’m free, but not stupid). Jesus has and is, and always will be filling those areas of insecurity and need in my life. The stuff in my life is no longer the stuff of my life, and it’s all at His disposal.
Would I let something I really enjoy, like the (gulp) Harley, go if Jesus asked me? In a heartbeat. What would I tell some person who told me that they thought to be a good Christian I should get rid of the Harley? That’s easy, “Stuff it.”
