People are different in so many ways. One distinction I recall was whether you were a people person, an idea person, or a thing person. I think I’m all three to varying degrees, but my wife would nod vigorously to my identifying as a thing person. For example, I would typically rather buy a thing than a dinner out or an experience. My reasoning is that meals and experiences are fleeting, but I may be able to use and enjoy a physical thing for a long time—maybe even years.
I was a collector from the time I was a kid. I collected postage stamps and coins for a while. I saved seashells from the beach, and I thought different kinds of rocks were cool, so I gathered those too. I collected butterflies and insects with great enthusiasm–even as an adult! Since I once had a small business for which I shipped orders, I developed a particular affinity for boxes, containers, and paper, and have socked those away, along with packing peanuts and bubble wrap. I have never been featured on a hoarders show, in case you’re wondering, and you do not have to walk around piles of things. Well, maybe in my workshop.
However, there are definitely downsides to acquiring things. You have to store them, dust them, maintain them, insure them, and repair them when they break. That takes time and money. You may worry about your things being lost, damaged, or stolen, expending emotional energy on top of the time requirements of ownership. And the more things you have, the greater the risk of clutter. Minimalist books I’ve skimmed suggest that clutter is a stressor and detractor from life—especially for some people…like my wife, who loves wide open spaces.
The Bible encourages to consider our relationship with things in some of the following verses:
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21).
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:2-3).
Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions (Luke 12:15).
Certain older video games involved finding and collecting different items in various locations. These things came in handy during the game, as they imbued the player with abilities or other benefits ensuring success. While collecting might help you win a video game, God’s Word says our lives are not about stuff. It tells us we have an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4).
We can live less cluttered, more enjoyable lives storing our treasure in heaven—by helping the needy and trusting God to care for us (Luke 14:13-14, Matthew 6:25-34).
