Simplifying in a Materialistic Culture

My House Needs to Go On A Diet!

Simplifying in a Materialistic Culture

Materialism is not in line with the teachings of Christ.

Our culture today thrives on having the latest and greatest in “stuff.” If we have too much stuff, we have to buy more stuff to handle the stuff we already have!

Two things came together making the perfect pairing for a materialistic disaster. Both instant gratification and innovation in online shopping have brought a shopping frenzy into existence. We have gone from living a simple, uncluttered life to having so much stuff we now need storage units to store our things.

Busting at the Seams

Family homes are held hostage by the possessions that fill every closet, shelf or free space. Boxes are stacked upon each other overtaking the garage which was meant for vehicles but has succumbed to nothing more than a storage unit.

Parents are working longer hours becoming more absent in the home to be able to afford the ability to purchase more things. Children are seeing less quality time spent with their parents because of this absence. And the home continues to accumulate more possessions.

Visualize, if you will, this home expanding and moaning while it’s busting at the seams from being stuffed with things day in and day out. Sounds painful, right?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Knowing When to Stop

When we sit down to eat dinner, do we continue to eat past the point of feeling miserably full? No, because our bodies tell us when to stop. However, when we continue to overload with possessions, what tells us to stop?

Signs of Materialism

Not finding contentment with what you have.
Hungering for more than what you have.
Falling into debt to purchase things.
Requiring a storage unit for your things.
No storage space left in your home because things you don’t use are occupying those spaces.
Living beyond your means.
Purchasing prestigious brand-named things to impress or to feel good.
Not shopping value-based.
Having a closet full of clothes, but feeling like you have nothing to wear.
An excessive amount of things that you do not use; toys, collectibles, clothing, etc.
Wanting the new version of something when what you have is perfectly fine.

Knowing Where to Start

“If you don’t use it, lose it!”

Based on the above phrase, do you have “stuff” you don’t use that is just taking up space? Let’s start “de-materializing” your home and your life.

Clothing

Everyone is guilty of having clothing, shoes, and accessories that do nothing more than sit in dark closets never to be worn again or used. These things are perfect for boxing up and donating to a Christian donation center for someone in need that will use these items. It warms the heart to know that you are helping someone less fortunate!

Collectibles

For some, collections provide a hobby or enjoyment. If you are one of these people, by all means, continue to enjoy! However, if you are someone that has figurines, whatnots, knick-knacks and dust collectors covering the surfaces in your home, it may be time to clean them out.

Home Furnishings

If you have pieces of furniture, dishes, drapes, etc. just sitting around in the garage or attic, there is someone else out there that may not be able to afford such things and can use them.

Vehicles

Do you have a vehicle that you do not use and could perhaps be donated to a struggling single parent to use as transportation? Most people never give the extra car in the garage a second thought. Another alternative is to sell the vehicle and tithe that money to your church or to someone that needs the help.