![]() I have seen, on Facebook, that many of my friends are into the Netflix show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. It is a show about a Japanese author and organizing consultant, Marie Kondo, who comes into people's homes with her translator, Marie lida, and helps them to declutter and organize their belongings by getting rid of what does not "spark joy." My friends have been dragging out their own possessions and sorting between what does and does not “spark joy” for them. While I am not into the show myself (due to two episodes which promote worldly values I cannot condone if I am to remain in a right relationship with God), I can see merit in that it helps people to get organized and take control of their homes and lives. I also find value in what it represents on a deeper level – getting rid of junk. While it is not a spiritual show (though Marie does “greet the house” when she enters and has her clients “thank their sentimental items” when they decide to get rid of them), it does give us a representation of something spiritually significant – getting rid of the junk that is cluttering up your heart, soul, mind, and life. II Corinthians 7:1 implores Christians, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” This verse is telling us to get rid of the filthy, unholy nonsense in our lives. The promises mentioned refer to the last verse of the previous chapter which says, “And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” The verses before that talk about the conditions of these promises. Starting in verse 14 of chapter 6 and continuing through verse 17, we are told not to join together with unbelievers. Righteousness has no fellowship with unrighteousness, light has no communion with darkness, Christ has no concord with Belial (the devil), believers have no part (fellowship or comradeship) with infidels (unbelievers), and God's temple has no agreement with idols. We, as Biblical Christians, are the temple of God and, as such, have no room for worldly things and worldly relationships. God dwells in us and the things we allow into our lives and the people we allow to influence us ought not to be unclean, or promote an ungodly life, but be pleasing to Him. ![]() I have been decluttering over the past few months, not only in my home, but in my heart, the temple where God dwells. He has been walking through my life and pointing out what needs to go – what does not “spark joy” for Him and, if I am being truthful, what does not spark real joy for me. He has been cutting out entertainment choices, mostly, but also bad habits. My biggest bad-habit is wasting time. I am actually a very busy person, but sometimes, what I am busy doing is not important in God's plan for my life. I am not referring to hobbies (though they must have their own place and time in my life), but unimportant things, such as watching Star Trek or MacGyver, when I should be studying God's Word, cleaning my apartment, writing my blog, practicing my saxophone, reading a wholesome book or article, or working toward a solution for a problem in my classroom. God has been helping me to organize and prioritize my time so I am not wasting it. This involves something simple, such as as prep work, to something more complicated, like creating and following schedules. (Yes, I meant to use the plural form). In the Old Testament, we see evidence that even Daniel followed a schedule in order to prioritize time with God (Daniel 6:10). In the New Testament, we see the same evidence for Peter and John (Acts 3:1). By God's grace, I have made a lot of progress in this area, but I still have a long way to go. For example, I am more often late than on time or early. I trust God will help me to continue to grow in this area. ![]() Perhaps you are like me and waste time, or perhaps you struggle in another area, such as materialism. You know it is wrong, but you just cannot seem to help yourself. My advice to you is to seek God, first thing in the morning, right after you wake up. Study His Word (do not just read it). Pray and ask for His help. Listen to what He is telling you through His Word, Spirit, and your circumstances (as Mark Ballenger from Apply God's Word says), before you start the rest of your day. Prioritize Him, daily. You are probably familiar with the passage of Scripture in Matthew 6:19-34, which tells us to seek God's kingdom and Heavenly gain rather than focusing on earthly needs and riches. God will take care of His children. It is not saying you should not work to provide for your family. (I Timothy 5:8 says that one who does not provide for his own household has denied his faith is worse than an infidel). It is saying that you must seek God's kingdom first rather than worrying about material gains. Another passage that makes this point is Colossians 3:1-3, which says, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” This section of Scripture is telling us that, as Christians, we are dead to the world and are alive in Christ, therefore, we must seek Heavenly gain, not earthly riches. Our life is wrapped up in Christ. So if your focus is on earthly possessions, rather than on Christ and His kingdom, that is something God wants you to “declutter” from your life. It does not bring Him joy as He walks through the temple of your life, and it really does not bring you true joy, if you are being honest with yourself. ![]() I want to leave you with one last thought from Philippians 4:4-8, which, neatly summarizes what our priorities should be and what really “sparks joy” in the life of a believer. It says, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” This passage is telling us to find our joy in God; not to worry about anything, but, prayerfully and thankfully make our requests to God; and to focus on what really matters in life. If you want to declutter, organize, and “spark joy” in your life, you must prioritize God and His kingdom. What questions, concerns, or comments do you have? I would love to hear from you in the comment section or by email. You can reach me at [email protected]. If you like this post or found it helpful, please share it so it can help others as well. If you would like to receive updates when I write new posts, please join my Facebook page.
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AuthorKayti grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Hobe Sound Bible College in Hobe Sound, Florida, graduating 2013. She taught four years at a private Christian school on the west side of Indianapolis. She also coached a girls volleyball team for two years. She is now a full-time caregiver for her wonderful grandmother, Ruth. Archives
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