Pursuing a Simplified, Peaceful Life in Christ
What are my earthly treasures? I’m referring to those tangible things that cause me to think I need more storage to house it all. Thinking of every room in my house, I have too much in my kitchen, too much in my closets, too much in my craft studio, too much in my attic! Have I put so much time and energy on collecting earthly treasures that I’ve neglected doing God’s will? Am I neglecting spending time in His word, sharing the gospel, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked? My answer would have to be yes, which is a HUGE, shameful eye-opener!
Jesus tells me that if my treasures are earthly things, then I am NOT focused on Him. How can I possibly expect treasures in heaven if I’m not doing much to fill that heavenly treasure chest? How can I simplify my life and find more peace?
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
Now, I don’t know about you, but when I realize I have a problem, one that can be changed/improved/solved because of some action I can take, then I immediately begin working towards solving that problem. Psalm 34:14 (NIV) states, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Turn, do, seek, and pursue…got it!
Turn from evil and do good: Not that all shopping and spending is evil, because it’s not. Am I a shopaholic? Not at all! I seldom spend money on things that are not edible or needed to keep a clean home. I’m also very thrifty (some might call it cheap), and when I do purchase clothing, home goods, or crafting supplies, I always buy clearance, use coupons, or choose things that are on sale.
I do, however, have more than I need, and yet I continue to buy more. This is where the evil can live. If all my purchases are only benefiting myself, then I’m not blessing others with the gifts that God has so graciously given me. This is where I can make a turn, a big turn. Knowing that I already have an overabundance of clothing and craft supplies, clothes I never wear and crafty bits I never use, it’s time I go through all this stuff, or “treasure,” and be a blessing to others.
STEP #1 = TURN:
No longer will I do random shopping for clothing or craft supplies. I will only buy clothing I need, or craft supplies specifically needed for customer-requested orders.
STEP #2 = Do Good
Go through my clothes and put half of it in boxes to take to the homeless shelter; for each new article of clothing I do buy, I’ll give an equal amount of clothes to the homeless shelter; go through all my craft supplies and put everything I don’t use in boxes to give away to people who are just getting started; donate food weekly to a local food pantry. Bless others by giving.
Seek peace and pursue it
I always find peace in Jesus! Studying God’s word brings me peace, prayer brings me peace, playing guitar in our church band brings me peace, Bible journaling brings me peace, and listening to uplifting praise and worship music brings me peace. STEP #3 =
Seek & Pursue Peace
Set aside at least two 30-minute sessions each day to devote to God, using any method already mentioned. I’ll also join (or lead) a Bible study group, either online or in person, which I’ve been craving for quite some time.
Here are some questions you can ponder for yourself: What are your treasures? What steps can you take to lay up treasures in heaven, simplify your life, and pursue Godly peace?
A Little More About Sally
I’m Sally Cox, creator of the blog and YouTube channel “Craftingalsal Papercrafts & Such.” I’m a wife, mother, grandmother of 9, and an elementary school teacher of 21 years. Yes, I’ve been truly blessed with a wonderful family and career, and I’m so amazed to see where God has brought me on this journey called life. My sweet hubby (Gary) and I play guitar in our church band, we golf and ride our bikes, and we love to travel. We generally love spending all our available time together doing pretty much anything. As a matter of fact, we put a card table up in my craft studio so he can work puzzles while I craft!
I’ve been creative and crafty ever since I was a little girl, making clothing, furniture, cars, and houses for my Skipper and Barbie dolls, drawing and coloring, and just enjoying anything that meant I was creating something from nothing and using my imagination. I’ve done it all my life, and now that retirement is just around the corner, I thought I’d start sharing my passion of creating with the world…HELLO, WORLD!
