Book lovers will understand me when I say that I have been “talking about” decluttering my jam-packed bookshelves for at least a year. I need to do it, and the only way to do it is to rip off the Band-Aid and just start giving books away.
In one afternoon of energetic zeal, I culled two shopping-bagfuls from a bookcase in the family room—a bookcase that is nonetheless still full to capacity. It’s embarrassing to admit that I have yet to tackle sagging shelves full of college textbooks, novels I’ve read only once and will never open again, and books that have never seen the light of day but were given to me by well-meaning family or friends.
Good stewardship of my living space and compassionate foresight for the day when my kids will have to clean up after me—these are strong arguments for all of us to pay attention to what we own. In the process, we may unintentionally discover what’s owning us!
Books may not be your weakness, but you probably have one. Most of us in North America own more clothing than we’ll ever wear and more kitchen devices, appliances, and containers than we could use in three lifetimes. Having played a role in cleaning out two very full homes in the past two years for friends who had passed away, I’m looking around me at all my stuff and asking myself some fairly meddlesome questions about where my faith is anchored.
In the New Testament, Jesus shone a bright and unwavering light on the human tendency to allow our possessions to capture our hearts’ affection:
“Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15).
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19).
“You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24).
“Do not take a purse or bag or sandals” (Luke 10:4).
Uncluttered Faith doesn’t endorse pitching your couch and sitting on the floor just for the sake of owning less. Rather the challenge is to ask yourself how your attitude about money and possessions aligns with the teachings of Jesus
Tweet
When I first learned about Joshua Becker’s Uncluttered Faith, I expected a sort of theological Marie Kondo message, urging me to jettison peripheral faith matters, stick to the Gospel, and just get along with everyone. Then I read the first chapter and thought, “Oh, this is a book about decluttering and minimalism.”
Well, maybe… But even though Becker is a self-described minimalist, I would suggest that this latest offering is actually about consumerism and serves as a much-needed exposé of the church’s disordered loves. We love our stuff so much because we love our Lord too little.
Therefore, the book doesn’t endorse pitching your couch and sitting on the floor just for the sake of owning less. You won’t be asked to line up all your spatulas and ask which one sparks the most joy. What you will be challenged to do is to ask yourself how your attitude about money and possessions aligns with the teachings of Jesus.
Fortunately, Becker steers clear of the inherent danger of turning simplicity into a brand of prosperity gospel in which minimalism guarantees the believer an abundant life. Instead, the numerous testimonials from Becker’s clients and friends describe their life on the other side of obedience to God and the spiritual blessings that come with freedom from enslavement to this world.
Christians who are not burdened down by the things they own are more available to serve God in ways that matter. Too, the demonstration of our belief that God really will provide for us is a powerful affirmation of our faith. “The more effort society puts into accumulating more and more things, the greater our opportunity to stand out as a city on a hill when we reject all of it.” A life of uncluttered faith invites committed Christians into a life with less greed and anxiety and with greater purpose, freedom, generosity, and personal growth.
Holding You in the Light,
Uncluttered Faith by @joshua_becker is a much-needed exposé of the church’s disordered loves. We love our stuff so much because we love our Lord too little. @WaterBrookPress
Tweet
More Biblical Encouragement for You on the YouVersion App
As you know, I’m committed to the truth that women can become confident followers of God and students of his Word, and it’s my goal to help you along that path. At Living Our Days, I provide biblical content and resources to encourage biblical literacy and faithful living, and now I’m sharing devotional content on the YouVersion app. Visit my profile page to get free access to all the reading plans!
Have You Read the Latest Newsletter?
On the third Wednesday of every month, I send a newsletter with biblical encouragement straight to my subscribers’ email inboxes. Frequently, I share free resources, and the newsletter is where all the news lands first.
CLICK HERE to find me on Substack, where my goal is to help you on the path of becoming a confident follower of God and a student of His Word.
Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate, which means that whenever you purchase a book I’ve shared here through the link I provide, I’ll receive a very small commission. It doesn’t cost you more, and I only share books here that I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Many thanks to Waterbrook, an imprint of Penguin Random House, for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
Living Our Days 