The Right Stuff

Unless something has changed that I'm unaware of, moving trucks can't haul our stuff to heaven.

Sad, but true.

Deep down, we know we can't take any of this stuff with us.

And yet, like hungry little hippos, we gather more stuff, hoping it will satisfy our constant craving.

But then when we get that stuff, we just want more stuff.

At some point, we realize we have too much stuff, so we have to get rid of it - not the good stuff, of course - just the old or worn-out stuff we don't want anymore.

We feel good about ourselves now that we gave some stuff away.

We deserve a reward, and hey, since we have some room, why not get more stuff?

Busted.

Fast-forward forty or so years, and all our stuff has to go.

All that time, all that money. Poof, gone.

We end up the way we started—stuffless.

But is that really how we started?

Now that I think about it, we weren't born without stuff.

We were born with the stuff that counts.  

God created us and breathed life into us.

God formed us in His image and intended for us to use the special gifts He gave us to make the world a better, brighter place.

And if we aren’t sure how to do that, God sent Jesus to walk the walk of what a God-centered life of right stuff - service and focus on others - looks like.  

What stuff did God form within you?

Could it be to share God's unconditional love with somebody (as you have received)?

Maybe it is encouraging someone feeling alone and scared (like you once were).

It might be reaching out and offering forgiveness and understanding (as was given to you).

It could be stepping out in courage to do the thing God is tapping you to do that the world is waiting for (tick tock).

It could be spending time volunteering and serving versus shopping and getting more stuff (busted).

We should push ourselves beyond the wonderful "blessed to be a blessing" thinking and challenge ourselves to sacrifice our stuff for others.  

That stuff could be material things, but it could also be our time.

What will we do with the precious moments we have left?

Let's give away the good stuff - the right stuff - and sacrifice our time and treasures to serve and care for others who need love and care.

Thank You, God, for this beautiful life you have given us.

Psalm 139:14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.

Matthew 22: 36-40

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'"

Hebrews 13:16

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.