Jesus told a story of a hoarder, a man who had more than he needed.
Luke 12:19-21 (ESV)
And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.
From God’s perspective, the hoarder is poor … and foolish.
Good morning, Lord. Forgive me for holding tightly to things I don’t need. I tell myself I may want them some future day, but someone else could use them this day. Teach me to give cheerfully, not reluctantly (2 Corinthians 9:7). You have given me more than I need, thank You. Open my eyes, open my heart, open my hands.
Amen!! Such a good reminder
It’s a reminder to me too — I have some closet-cleaning to do!
Very thought provoking, Shirlee . I had never put the word “hoarding” together with this parable.
For me, I struggle with judging others who DO “store up” so much STUFF. That is also wrong.
Me too, Rebecca. It’s easy to think, “Just let it go,” without realizing that hoarding is a spiritual issue. Not just a matter of changing one’s ways, it’s a change of heart.