Clutter Part 1

“CLUTTER”  Definition: a number of things scattered in disorder; jumble.

There are times that I cannot see the top of my desk because of all the clutter.  So when I start my day at the office, my first challenge is, “Where do I start?!”  No matter what I have on my calendar, my first order of business becomes “clutter clearing.”  Hence, the whole process of organizing, categorizing, and prioritizing begins. 

The clutter consists of mainly good things.  The challenge is sifting through the stacks to determine what good things to do or not to do.  The clutter is all potentially “good stuff” but some of it will not make the cut.  I cannot do all the good things that the clutter directs me to do right away and there is some of it that will never be done. 

It is easy to decide not to do worthless things; those projects, events, or chores that are unproductive, unnecessary, or unredeeming (is that a word?).  The difficulty comes in deciding between worthwhile things.

On and on and on it goes.  If I don’t make the choices, where it stops, nobody knows.  In the end, it is my responsibility to make the choice and follow through with it.

 There are many questions to consider in the process.  Is this a wise use of my limited time and energy? What will contribute most to my purpose for being here?  Who will be effected by this choice?  Is this part of another person’s area of responsibility or influence?  Is it really necessary?  Is this the right time? 

I also know that no matter what I decide, someone will be disappointed or feel slighted.  I am not alone in this because any compassionate person deals with that.  Personally that is one of the hardest things I deal with.

Although the considerations above are real they need to be put into context.          

The Lord challenges us through Joshua to “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”)Joshua 24:15)  The Lord through Paul tells us in Colossians3:23, “…It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” 

The Bottom Line

In the face of all the challenges to the ongoing process of “clutter clearing,” throughout His Word, God has given us guidelines.  The choices I make define my service to God.  That service is my responsiblilty and noboby elses.

I continually labor to “declutter” my life so that life itself becomes more focused on serving God.  I have not arrived.  Few have. 

How are you doing in “decluttering” life?

Clutter Part 2

“CLUTTER”  Definition: a number of things scattered in disorder; jumble.

In light of the first installment of “CLUTTER” in last month’s Messenger, I found myself in an amazing circumstance this week.  It seems that everybody and anybody that I had asked to communicate with me in the last 6 months did.  (I’ve applied some “poetic license” here, just so you know.)  I made trips up the stairs when I couldn’t carry another thing without the use of my trusty old backpack.  As I walked through the church I seemed to gather more and more “stuff” that ended up on my desk.  I also received enough professional advertising and catalogues to; if we could turn them back into trees, reforest Mt Saint Helen! 

In order to deal with all this, I actually brought a large table (like we use at coffee time) up to the third floor and set it up in the hall outside my office.  Then I took everything from my desk and organized and categorized it on that big table.  I attacked the piles according to priority and low and behold, the stuff is either being addressed and actions completed, or they are finding a home in the “circular file”.  All the advertisements and catalogues are available on line, so guess where 95% of that stuff is going to end up.

My point; this is an extreme circumstance, but although there are more items to address and it will take days instead of hours, by applying the same “decluttering” principles of organizing, categorizing, and prioritizing, the job is getting done and I am still fulfilling my “regularly scheduled” commitments. 

It seems there are seasons of extreme clutter which can only be dealt with by extremely focused application of the “decluttering” principles.  But, they can be dealt with.

I hope you are prayerfully considering “decluttering” not only your things but also your time.  With intentional prayer, and persistence it can be done, whether it rains or pours.

Clutter Part 3

“CLUTTER”  Definition: a number of things scattered in disorder; jumble.

            Well, this month’s “declutterization” involved my file cabinet and the resource room.

 I had some extra time at home, so I physically took 3 of the 4 drawers home with me and dove in.  (The 4th drawer is used for my coffee making stuff .) What I did was get rid of all the outdated information and anything that was a duplicate of files on my computer.  So when all was said and done, I had a stack of paper 9 inches high.  9 inches of new paper is 1,750 sheets.  So there are approximately 1500 sheets of paper in my stack!    And, I eliminated 160 manila folders, which makes the whole pile 14.5 inches high.  Amazing!  That’s some serious decluttering!

And then there’s the resource room.  BIG THANKS TO JORDAN NICKERSON who has been faithfully volunteering to organize and catalogue the tons of resource materials MSBC has accumulated.  This mission has taken double digit man hours and will soon be completed.  Listings will appear, among other places, on the new MSBC Website.  These materials will be available for personal and DGroup use.  But the point here is that the disorganization turned perfectly usable resources into inaccessible clutter.  

So hear me testify brothers and sisters.  “Declutterization” of anything from file cabinets to finances or time to traditions can set you free, not like Jesus mind you, but it can help to set you free from being controlled by clutter.  When that unrighteous control is gone, you are free to say yes to Jesus and let righteous priorities be where they need to be in your life. 

WARNING:  If you do not maintain the new “declutteredness,” the newfound freedom will soon disappear.  If true transformation has taken place, you will be able to maintain the freedom.  If transformation does not take place, the whole “declutterization” process eventually fades back to “the same ol’ same ol’.”

 Transformation should be a constant process in our lives and “decluttering” will definitely help.

Clutter Part 4

“CLUTTER”  Wrapping it up!  Here’s the point.

I was privileged to share my life testimony with you all on Sunday, April 6.  I think my story was a dramatic demonstration of how poor choices can clutter our lives and keep us from fulfilling God’s purpose for us.  Until I was born again at age 38, pretty much every choice I made was rooted is selfishness and irresponsibility.  Each decision created more clutter between God and me.

Like I said, very dramatic.  But everyday life choices can also clutter our lives to the point where God sometimes isn’t even on our radar.  Sad but true. 

Consider the fact that as we choose to declutter some time each day to use it instead for spending personal time with the Lord, we will learn more about Him and hopefully understand and apply more of His desires, character, and direction to our lives, pray and intercede for others; all things modeled by Jesus Christ himself.

As we choose to declutter our activities to make time for DGroup involvement, we make new friends, develop relationships, participate in ministry and service, have great fellowship, and get closer to God: again, all modeled by Jesus Christ himself.

As we choose to declutter our finances, we release stress from our lives, we can better support God’s ministry here at MSBC, better support our families, support missions, and help others who find themselves in a season of need.  Jesus Christ came to help us all in our need by providing and being our Savior.

The point is relationships need time, focus, and sometimes resources to develop.  Here we are, right back at the greatest commandment in Matthew 22:37-39.

37Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’  38This is the first and greatest commandment.  39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

These verses are about our relationship with God and our relationships with those around us.  Very simply said, clutter can keep us from developing these relationships.

How are you doing with the “clutter” thing, that is organizing and prioritizing?  How are you doing with the “relationship” thing?

If you would like to discuss any of this, please contact me.  I would love to have a “sit down” to relate with you.

May we all love Him by obeying Him.  (John 14:21)