A Life Without Stuff

Scripture: Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning; when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out. Or if it remained a day and a night, they moved out when the cloud lifted. Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out. They camped at the Lord’s command, and they set out at the Lord’s command. Numbers 9:21-23a

Observation: The second year in the wilderness is complete, and Israel is on the march. They have lived in tents this entire time, and will do so for another 40 years, and during all that time they move about at the Lord's command. As this section calls out, the decision to move might occur immediately, and they stopped only to sleep for the night. Other times, they might stay in one place for months (later on, perhaps years).

Imagine the flexibility involved in living that way. The pillar of cloud stops, so you stop and set up your entire earthly home ... and then the pillar picks up the next morning and you pack it all up and go again ... or the pillar stays and you now live for months in a place that is so simple is COULD be picked up and moved every day. This is a "simple" life, where "stuff" isn't desired, but is a burden. Even as they stay in one place, they wouldn't accumulate items of value for themselves, for those items would just become a burden at a moment's notice. They may make utilitarian items to aid their daily lives, but then just cast them aside and make more when they settle again.

Application: How interesting it is that, in this modern day and age, I almost could not imagine a life without 'stuff'. I have completely and totally useless things on this very desk that I don't throw away! Literally, I find value in holding onto items simply because I might see them every couple years and be reminded of a good thought.

This is a problem. Most of the stuff in my life is of little value and my daily activities would never change whether or not I still had it. Much of it is so worthless that my life would actually be better without it because all it does is keep a part of my thinking about the past now and then. And yet here it is.

Having 'stuff' is clearly not part of God's plan for our lives. Yes, he blesses us with good homes, and one of the primary benefits of homes is as a place to keep your stuff dry and safe and near, but that does not meaning having stuff is the goal.

It is likely time for me to starting cleaning out. I have too much of even the good items, and I have WAY too much of the meaningless junk. If God called me to break camp and move right now, I effectively couldn't, and that must not be the case.

Prayer: Lord, I see it is time to simplify and return to a way of living that is far less cluttered. Help us to find our way to your way of life, so that nothing we 'have' could ever interfere with serving you. Amen.