CLUTTERED
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:18-19, ESV
Theme: Setting our minds on “earthly things” leads away from Christ and ultimately to destruction.
A TIDY COUNTERTOP
A clear countertop helps me work and rest in my home. It provides workspace to create meals, fold laundry, reset tables, pay bills, write, or paint. I understand the appeal of clear landing spaces after a long day out. Backpacks, lunchboxes, mail, toys, and groceries collect quickly on an unmanaged countertop. The clutter raises anxiety in me. I internalize it and concern myself with it until it is removed by personal effort or motivating others to clear it. Sometimes, I have to learn to manage myself (concern, anxiety, and undesirable circumstances notwithstanding) while it remains cluttered.
A CLUTTERED WEEK
Elections and changing national, state and local leadership causes upheaval and transition. We find ourselves in a week where we are laying one thing down and picking another up. If there is a landing space in our souls, this week it may be cluttered with the cares and worries of life in America. Sometimes I wish I could sweep it all in the garbage can. Other times I wish I could make someone else clean it up or yell at them until they do.
YOU ARE NOT TRAPPED BY CLUTTER
[Many]“...walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.” Many of us? Do we, who claim to follow Jesus, walk as or act like, the enemies of Christ? We concern ourselves with problems and barriers to what we want just like un-believers. Our national politics are messy, just like my countertops when everyone returns home after a long day. We may be distracted by them or think that an unfavorable outcome will prevent us from doing our daily tasks. Much like the clutter on my countertop leaves me feeling trapped, we may feel trapped. Neither our clear countertops or our tidy government systems are a god. As such, we dare not idolize them. There will be transitions at home, in our country, and in this world. We may have valid concerns. Yet, I must learn to remain faithful through the clutter.
Make It Personal: Consider how you might refocus your attention if it has turned toward lesser gods. Knock down any idols. Is your countertop messy? Join me in managing ourselves through it, not allowing it to become of ultimate importance, just for today. Do not become an enemy of the cross of Christ because of today’s clutter.
Pray: Dear God, my prayer for today is simple. I acknowledge that You are first. You are one. Help me to let the clutter around me be less important than the Spirit within me. I know You have the power and control to do whatever You choose. Give me the courage not to act on Your behalf in a way that might be wrong or sinful. I don’t know best. You do. Please provide peace when I wrongly return to worrying about the clutter around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Philippians 3
Weekly Memory Verse: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:16-17, ESV