Since 1970, the average house has grown from 1,500 sq. ft. to 2,400 sq. ft. Before that time, storage units were unknown but the industry has now grown to about 52,000 facilities in the US because of various lifestyle changes (marriage, divorce, retirement, a death in the family, etc). Because of this problem, an organization began in 1989 called Clutterers Anonymous (CLA) which is active in over 50 cities in 17 states as of 2005. (Wikipedia)
Why do we have so much clutter? What is the danger of being messy? How can we overcome this problem? God’s word has the answer. We will endeavor to answer these questions from the Bible. (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)
Why do we have so much clutter? Things are cheap, accessible, and disposable. What was accessible only to the extremely rich in the past is now affordable to the middle class. Just as Solomon did not refuse anything his eyes saw when he was king (Ecclesiastes 2:10a), we seem to be obsessed with the compulsion to buy everything we see, like a kid in a candy store.
We justify our clutter by saying it only costs a little bit compared to the past. If it breaks or we can’t find it we can always buy another one and it won’t hurt our budget. If we have lived a long time, it would be easy for our houses to be filled with many electronics, books, tapes, and clothes.
We have so much clutter because the house isn’t cleaned regularly. In many households, both spouses are working; many times they’re tired and it’s much easier to be entertained than to clean up the mess. There is no passage that says, “Cleanliness is next to godliness”: but the Bible teaches that one of the responsibilities for the older women is to encourage the younger women to be workers at home. (Titus 2:3-5) If mothers aren’t keeping the house clean, their daughters likely won’t, either. When they grow up, they neglect their responsibility and the problem is perpetuated. Men are generally less concerned about being tidy and are likely to contribute to the delinquency in the home.
What is the danger of clutter? It can hinder you from obeying God. (Matthew 6:33; 18:7; John 14:15) We are told that there is a time for everything under the sun, including “a time to keep and a time to throw away”. (Ecclesiastes 3:6b) When we don’t throw away, we have clutter. As time goes on, it becomes more difficult to decide what to keep and what to throw away because there is a mountain of things to go through. A lot of time becomes wasted because we can’t find what we need, which may cause us to be late to services or other appointments.
We are commanded to make the most of our time because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15ff). Yet many have invested so much in their clutter that they don’t take time to study the Bible; teach the lost; send cards to the ill; visit the sick; or call brethren to encourage them to be faithful.
We are commanded to be hospitable, (Romans 12:10) but are too embarrassed to have others over because of all the clutter. After the “packrat” realizes that his weakness is hindering him from obeying God, he may become frustrated, depressed, or overwhelmed with guilt. This leads to having no motivation to do what’s right because he thinks he’s a failure. Or he may just not care anymore.
How can we overcome clutter? Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Remember that unless you are willing to give up your possessions, you cannot be a disciple of Christ (Luke 14:33). We must have the discipline to get rid of some things we don’t need every day or we will have a major problem in the future. So cleanup!
We must be good stewards of what God has given us (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). You need to be willing to sell or throw away unnecessary possessions. You could even give to charity or the poor (Luke 12:33). Don’t despair, God has promised to take care of your needs, if you put Him first (Matthew 6:33).
Jesus admonishes us to store up our treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). Why are we storing up treasures that will corrode on an earth that will eventually be destroyed with fire (2 Peter 3:10)? But some will argue, “parents are to save up for their children” (2 Corinthians 12:14). This is true. I am not telling you to throw away mementos, keepsakes, valuables, etc. but there may be things we treasure that we shouldn’t. (Matthew 19:20ff)
Here are some questions that you need to consider so that you will know if you have a problem with clutter. Do you have more things than you can handle? Do you waste time trying to find important things? Have you been late because you couldn’t find your keys, wallet, or purse? Are you embarrassed to have company over? Have you tried to clean up but became exasperated and quit? Do you procrastinate saying “one of these days, I’ll get to it?” Is your clutter causing problems with your loved ones? Do you find it hard to dispose of things, even if you haven’t used it in years? Is the problem getting worse? (Copyright © 1989 – 2009 by Clutterers Anonymous World Service Organization.)
What is so wrong about storing up things on earth? The rich farmer reasoned within himself that he had no room for his crops and that he was going to need to build bigger barns. He said, “Soul you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.” (Luke 12:19) “But God said to him, You fool! This very night your soul is required of you and now who will own what you have prepared? So is the man who stores up treasure to himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:20-21). Your soul may be required of you today, and you will have to give up everything you have anyway.
Are you storing up treasure for yourself here on earth or treasure in heaven? “Have thine affections been nailed to the cross. Dost thou count all things for Jesus but loss? Is thy heart right with God?”
