Marie Kondo once told us that everything we own should “spark joy.” Well, maybe the 47th sweatshirt you stuffed into your closet last week *did* spark joy—until you had to dig through piles of clothes just to find your other shoe. Let’s face it: clutter isn’t just physical; it’s spiritual. A messy home can mean a messy mind, and a cluttered mind can lead to a cluttered soul.
As Christians, we’re called to seek peace, to clear out distractions that keep us from the good stuff—like deepening our relationship with God. And while it might seem like decluttering is just something your mom or Marie Kondo obsesses over, it’s actually an intentional, spiritual practice. Let’s unpack why cleaning up isn’t just about looking organized but about restoring balance to your spiritual life, too.
The Spiritual Weight of Clutter
Ever feel like your stuff owns you instead of the other way around? That’s not a coincidence. Our possessions—whether it’s a pile of old college T-shirts or an overstuffed kitchen drawer—have a way of dragging us down emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Scripture even hints at this. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus tells us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
That’s not just a warning against hoarding physical stuff. It’s a reminder that accumulating *too much*—whether it’s possessions, busyness, or even social media scrolling—can pull us away from what’s truly important. Clutter represents more than just disorganization; it represents spiritual distractions that stop us from living the abundant, free lives God intended for us.
If you’ve ever felt that deep breath of relief after cleaning out your closet or tidying up your kitchen, you’ve already experienced the start of spiritual decluttering. And if not? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with a roadmap to making this process as painless—and even as sacred—as possible.
Step 1: Get Real About Your Stuff
Marie Kondo might tell you to hold every item and ask, “Does this spark joy?” That’s a nice start, but let’s take it a step further. As Christians, the question we should be asking is: “Does this item serve me in my walk with God?”
Now, before you start tossing out your entire wardrobe because “clothes don’t equal Jesus,” think about the bigger picture. Your home, like your heart, should be a place of peace and rest, not one where you feel weighed down by unnecessary things.
Maybe you’ve been holding onto that collection of mugs (even though you only use the same two every day) because of a fear of lack. Or perhaps your clutter is a reflection of an overstuffed schedule that leaves no room for spiritual rest. Whatever it is, it’s time to let go.
Step 2: Establish Spiritual Boundaries—In Your Home
Just like we need to set spiritual boundaries in our relationships and work lives, we also need them for our stuff. Take inventory of what’s cluttering your space and your heart. Maybe it’s not just the physical things; it could be that mountain of unread books or the hobby you feel guilty about not pursuing.
You can start with the simple spaces first: your closet, your desk, your car (because let’s be real, your car is a mess). Set a timer for 15 minutes and tackle one area at a time. Don’t overthink it—start small, but be consistent.
In Luke 10, Jesus tells Martha that her sister Mary “has chosen what is better” when she sat at Jesus’ feet instead of worrying about preparing a meal. This isn’t to say that preparing a meal is bad, but sometimes our to-do lists and material possessions become distractions from choosing what is better. Simplifying your surroundings can help you focus on what truly matters—your relationship with God and others.
Step 3: Invite God Into the Process
Here’s the part where decluttering becomes more than just a chore. The next time you go through your stuff, take a moment to pray. Invite God into the process. Ask Him to show you what’s holding you back—both in your home and in your heart. Maybe He’ll show you that those things you’ve been keeping out of guilt or obligation are no longer serving His purpose for you.
Decluttering isn’t just about making your home look like a minimalist’s dream. It’s about inviting God into your physical space and allowing Him to create peace and order where there’s chaos.
Step 4: Keep it Simple
The reality is, most of us are too busy to spend entire days reorganizing our lives. Between work, church, friends, and binge-watching Netflix, finding time for decluttering can feel impossible. So, keep it simple. Try a “one in, one out” rule—every time you buy something new, donate or discard something you no longer need.
Keep a donation box by your door, and when it’s full, take it to a local charity. Make this an ongoing practice, not a one-time event.
Why You Should Care
At its core, decluttering is about letting go of the things that pull you away from the life God has for you. It’s a small, physical act with big, spiritual implications. By clearing out our homes, we create room for peace and clarity—and that reflects in our souls. When we let go of what’s unnecessary, we can focus on what truly matters: our faith, our relationships, and our purpose.
So, grab that overstuffed closet by the horns, pray for guidance, and start tossing out what no longer serves you. Because in the end, the less stuff weighing you down, the more space you have to live freely and abundantly in Christ.
Title: Why Decluttering Is a Spiritual Practice (And How to Start)
URL: https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/why-decluttering-is-a-spiritual-practice-and-how-to-start/
Source: REL ::: RELEVANT
Source URL: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/rss/relevantmagazine.xml
Date: October 3, 2024 at 05:33PM
Feedly Board(s): Religion