the Collins

Stuff

With all the coverage of the fires in California and the interviews with the people who had minutes to take whatever they could and get out of their house, it got me thinking of what I would take from my house if I had 10 minutes to pack up and get out of my house. Besides Brent, Abby and Scout, it was had to think about what esle I would grab on the way out the door. My first thought was pictures. I have photo albums scattered throughout the house, so that would take some time to round them up. People have been saying they took their computer. That would be a good idea if you did not forget any of the wires that go along with it. I would try and take it, mainly b/c all my pictures are on there that are not in the photo albums. A computer you can replace, but the stuff on the computer you could never get back. I would have to pack some clothes for everyone, the essentials like a couple of shirts, pants, shoes, undergarments, etc. What about comfort things like pillows and blankets or would I need to take food, water, and a toothbrush? Would I even have time to decide in a state of shock and panic? By this time my 10 minutes expired a long time ago. As one can see, pictures and what I think are necessities are very important to me. But how important?

This reminds me of the story of the rich man in the Bible. Let me refresh your memory:

Mark 10:17-22

17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
18"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. 19You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.']"
20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."
21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

This man said that he was a good guy and followed all the rules. The one thing he could not do is sell and give away all his possessions. What if Jesus asked me to give away all my stuff and follow him today? I know that is an extreme, but it still hits me hard. What am I willing to give up for Jesus? Jesus is not asking me to give up pictures, but he does want me to sacrifice for him. I don't need to take for granted the wonderful things God has provided for my family, but I do need to realize that all this stuff around my house is not mine, but his. Stuff is just stuff. Nothing will compare, even memorable pictures, to the treasures in heaven that God has in store for me.