Cardboard, Books and Fine China: Hoarding and Blessing
This month marks four years since we moved into our home after relocating from 
Boulder. Yet my garage is still outlined with many of the same boxes that were deposited there on moving day.
Every few months, I muster my efforts and resolve anew to unpack the belongings they contain. I ‘assess the situation’ and ‘plan my attack’ but ultimately make progress no more significant than swapping one box’s position along the periphery for another. Many of our books are entombed in cardboard, as are the china place settings from our wedding all those years ago.
My Bible study this week zeroed in on the idea of wealth. And, more importantly, the handling of it.
Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.
— James 5:3 NIV
Relative to the world population’s income, having enough financial resources to own a single book makes a person wealthy. I own six Bibles, never mind the shelves burgeoning with other books, and boxes more in the garage. They seem so benign, these collections of wit and wisdom on paper; certainly not the stuff of flagrant wealth. Or so I thought.
The cardboard boxes indicted me. I haven’t touched these books in close to five years, since they were packed away almost a year before we moved into our home. Don’t even get me started on the china. The writer of my Bible study suggested that hoarding could be defined as ‘having without using.’ The Biblical usage of the word translated ‘hoarded’ (thēsaurizō) is
to gather and lay up, to heap up, store up; to accumulate riches
to keep in store, store up, reserve
The image called to my mind is piles and piles of stuff. And it bears a striking resemblance to my box-lined garage. I’m going a step further than the writer of my Bible study. I think hoarding is ‘having something just to have it.’ Clearly, I have no need for these possessions. If I did, they would be long-unpacked.
As things of the earth, these ‘treasures’ are corroding. James says they will eat my flesh and testify against me, pointedly calling me selfish. I don’t even need to set foot in my garage to be confronted with my caches of self-preservation and self-indulgence: I need only throw open the closet door to find coats and shoes that could be put to better use than adorning my hangers and shelves.
God blessed Abram so that Abram would bless others (Genesis 12). Paul said it this way in his letter to the Corinthians:
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
— 2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV
Instead of hoarding, God calls me to blessing. Instead of ‘having something to have it’, He urges me towards ‘having something to give it.’ Through this others will blessed with even their most basic needs. And it will result in thanksgiving to God. Herein lies the purpose in giving.
I need no better reason to roll up my sleeves and sift through my boxes than to find the blessings God intended for another to enjoy.
Take a quick look around you. I’ll wager there’s something in your line of sight right now that you haven’t used recently and could greatly benefit someone else, if only through the funds that selling it would produce. It doesn’t have to be big. Will you join me, though, in this exercise: instead of hoarding it, give it away? Share your experience in the comments.
Linked up with Beholding Glory.
Kirsten, you bring up a difficult and very convicting concept that we all – as Americans – should struggle with. Even many of the poor in our country are “rich” by comparison to the destitute living in 3rd world countries or enslaved against their will. This morning, I was convicted by this verse in Proverbs 27 – “He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.” (verse 7) We live in such a throw-away society that we forget even our “throw-aways” are precious to those in need.
I remember as a child being encouraged to eat everything on my plate so it “wouldn’t be wasted.” Yet, wouldn’t we be wiser still to eat only what is healthy? Not over loading our plates until we are so full we feel sick and/or can’t finish what we’ve put there? (Prov. 25:16 – “If you find honey, eat just enough — too much of it and you will vomit.”) It’s the same with all our possessions. Too much of a good thing is unhealthy. Yes, God does bless us with resources. No, I don’t think it’s bad to enjoy them. But yes, I agree with you we ABSOLUTELY MUST constantly examine what we have (and don’t use and could bless others with) and MUST balance healthy attitudes about our wealth. The key to remember is that that looks different for everyone.
Years ago, I remember being in a Hastings book store and over-hearing some people discussing someone else’s decision (a friend from church) to purchase a large home in an expensive neighborhood. They were openly condemning that person’s choice, saying {THEY THOUGHT} it was a selfish use of resources. I couldn’t help but think how short-sighted that was…who knows how God could use that family in that upscale neighborhood to reach others for Christ – and expand the footprint of God’s love?
Yes, it must look different for everyone, according to where/what/how the Lord has called them. And yes, we must die daily to self, examining our heart attitudes and surrendering ALL we have (including time) to the Lord daily.
Thanks for posting such an important reminder about the reality of hoarding….it’s not just a TV show….it’s a reality for most everyone in this country! 😉
Kirsten, you bring up a difficult and very convicting concept that we all – as Americans – should struggle with. Even many of the poor in our country are “rich” by comparison to the destitute living in 3rd world countries or enslaved against their will. This morning, I was convicted by this verse in Proverbs 27 – “He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.” (verse 7) We live in such a throw-away society that we forget even our “throw-aways” are precious to those in need.
I remember as a child being encouraged to eat everything on my plate so it “wouldn’t be wasted.” Yet, wouldn’t we be wiser still to eat only what is healthy? Not over loading our plates until we are so full we feel sick and/or can’t finish what we’ve put there? (Prov. 25:16 – “If you find honey, eat just enough — too much of it and you will vomit.”) It’s the same with all our possessions. Too much of a good thing is unhealthy. Yes, God does bless us with resources. No, I don’t think it’s bad to enjoy them. But yes, I agree with you we ABSOLUTELY MUST constantly examine what we have (and don’t use and could bless others with) and MUST balance healthy attitudes about our wealth. The key to remember is that that looks different for everyone.
Years ago, I remember being in a Hastings book store and over-hearing some people discussing someone else’s decision (a friend from church) to purchase a large home in an expensive neighborhood. They were openly condemning that person’s choice, saying {THEY THOUGHT} it was a selfish use of resources. I couldn’t help but think how short-sighted that was…who knows how God could use that family in that upscale neighborhood to reach others for Christ – and expand the footprint of God’s love?
Yes, it must look different for everyone, according to where/what/how the Lord has called them. And yes, we must die daily to self, examining our heart attitudes and surrendering ALL we have (including time) to the Lord daily.
Thanks for posting such an important reminder about the reality of hoarding….it’s not just a TV show….it’s a reality for most everyone in this country! 😉
Kirsten, you bring up a difficult and very convicting concept that we all – as Americans – should struggle with. Even many of the poor in our country are “rich” by comparison to the destitute living in 3rd world countries or enslaved against their will. This morning, I was convicted by this verse in Proverbs 27 – “He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.” (verse 7) We live in such a throw-away society that we forget even our “throw-aways” are precious to those in need.
I remember as a child being encouraged to eat everything on my plate so it “wouldn’t be wasted.” Yet, wouldn’t we be wiser still to eat only what is healthy? Not over loading our plates until we are so full we feel sick and/or can’t finish what we’ve put there? (Prov. 25:16 – “If you find honey, eat just enough — too much of it and you will vomit.”) It’s the same with all our possessions. Too much of a good thing is unhealthy. Yes, God does bless us with resources. No, I don’t think it’s bad to enjoy them. But yes, I agree with you we ABSOLUTELY MUST constantly examine what we have (and don’t use and could bless others with) and MUST balance healthy attitudes about our wealth. The key to remember is that that looks different for everyone.
Years ago, I remember being in a Hastings book store and over-hearing some people discussing someone else’s decision (a friend from church) to purchase a large home in an expensive neighborhood. They were openly condemning that person’s choice, saying {THEY THOUGHT} it was a selfish use of resources. I couldn’t help but think how short-sighted that was…who knows how God could use that family in that upscale neighborhood to reach others for Christ – and expand the footprint of God’s love?
Yes, it must look different for everyone, according to where/what/how the Lord has called them. And yes, we must die daily to self, examining our heart attitudes and surrendering ALL we have (including time) to the Lord daily.
Thanks for posting such an important reminder about the reality of hoarding….it’s not just a TV show….it’s a reality for most everyone in this country! 😉
Good words, Jeannette. The Lord presses on our areas of ‘hoarding’ in different ways and we mustn’t judge one another (also one of James’ key messages!). I appreciate your feedback.
Kirsten, you bring up a difficult and very convicting concept that we all – as Americans – should struggle with. Even many of the poor in our country are “rich” by comparison to the destitute living in 3rd world countries or enslaved against their will. This morning, I was convicted by this verse in Proverbs 27 – “He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.” (verse 7) We live in such a throw-away society that we forget even our “throw-aways” are precious to those in need.
I remember as a child being encouraged to eat everything on my plate so it “wouldn’t be wasted.” Yet, wouldn’t we be wiser still to eat only what is healthy? Not over loading our plates until we are so full we feel sick and/or can’t finish what we’ve put there? (Prov. 25:16 – “If you find honey, eat just enough — too much of it and you will vomit.”) It’s the same with all our possessions. Too much of a good thing is unhealthy. Yes, God does bless us with resources. No, I don’t think it’s bad to enjoy them. But yes, I agree with you we ABSOLUTELY MUST constantly examine what we have (and don’t use and could bless others with) and MUST balance healthy attitudes about our wealth. The key to remember is that that looks different for everyone.
Years ago, I remember being in a Hastings book store and over-hearing some people discussing someone else’s decision (a friend from church) to purchase a large home in an expensive neighborhood. They were openly condemning that person’s choice, saying {THEY THOUGHT} it was a selfish use of resources. I couldn’t help but think how short-sighted that was…who knows how God could use that family in that upscale neighborhood to reach others for Christ – and expand the footprint of God’s love?
Yes, it must look different for everyone, according to where/what/how the Lord has called them. And yes, we must die daily to self, examining our heart attitudes and surrendering ALL we have (including time) to the Lord daily.
Thanks for posting such an important reminder about the reality of hoarding….it’s not just a TV show….it’s a reality for most everyone in this country! 😉
Good words, Jeannette. The Lord presses on our areas of ‘hoarding’ in different ways and we mustn’t judge one another (also one of James’ key messages!). I appreciate your feedback.
Terrific post Kirsten. We too have boxes from our move almost 8 years ago that are not unpacked. Of course, they are all Jason’s 🙂
Terrific post Kirsten. We too have boxes from our move almost 8 years ago that are not unpacked. Of course, they are all Jason’s 🙂
Terrific post Kirsten. We too have boxes from our move almost 8 years ago that are not unpacked. Of course, they are all Jason’s 🙂
Kirsten! You should have titled this one “To Carina”. It was written just for me…
Kirsten! You should have titled this one “To Carina”. It was written just for me…
Thanks, gals, for your feedback! See you in the garage!
Thanks, gals, for your feedback! See you in the garage!
GREAT post, Kristen! I was convicted about this after reading the book “One Hundred Thing Challenge” last summer. I cleaned out closets and cabinets and took the things to a women’s recovery home. And now I volunteer there!
I think we should be like garden hoses – letting God’s blessings flow through us so we can spray them to the dry areas around us. Spray on, sister!
Hugs from VA 🙂
GREAT post, Kristen! I was convicted about this after reading the book “One Hundred Thing Challenge” last summer. I cleaned out closets and cabinets and took the things to a women’s recovery home. And now I volunteer there!
I think we should be like garden hoses – letting God’s blessings flow through us so we can spray them to the dry areas around us. Spray on, sister!
Hugs from VA 🙂
GREAT post, Kristen! I was convicted about this after reading the book “One Hundred Thing Challenge” last summer. I cleaned out closets and cabinets and took the things to a women’s recovery home. And now I volunteer there!
I think we should be like garden hoses – letting God’s blessings flow through us so we can spray them to the dry areas around us. Spray on, sister!
Hugs from VA 🙂
Amen! Love it, Susan. Great analogy.
Kirsten, I’m back at your blog to finish corralling some comments for you, but have to stop here first to say… Oh, I can relate to this one! And with so much shame. We, too, moved more than three years ago — two moves in 10 months, actually — and I am still struggling to deal with the boxes in the garage that just seem to keep switching places. It’s an emotional trial every time I tackle the piles. I am disgusted not just by my accumulation, but by my disorganization. Sadly, there are quite a few things in those boxes I do wish to keep (despite purging about 75% of the stuff when I finally make headway), like precious photos and family memorabilia, and I haven’t even known where those things are, for almost four years! My kids have not had the chance to look at childhood photo albums or school art projects. Beloved toys and books that they would still have enjoyed when we moved in have long since been outgrown. Cars that should have lived in the garage have remained outside. For almost four years. Ugh. As I read your post, I am simultaneous reading Jen Hatmaker’s “7” (which I see in your Google ads, too!) and just finished the chapter on Possessions. All I can say is, “Yikes.” If hoarding is owning what one does not use, I am as guilty as any of those people whom audiences love to gawk at on the TV show. Thanks for a thought-provoking post that is further compelling me to get this issue under control, and not slip backward.
Kirsten, I’m back at your blog to finish corralling some comments for you, but have to stop here first to say… Oh, I can relate to this one! And with so much shame. We, too, moved more than three years ago — two moves in 10 months, actually — and I am still struggling to deal with the boxes in the garage that just seem to keep switching places. It’s an emotional trial every time I tackle the piles. I am disgusted not just by my accumulation, but by my disorganization. Sadly, there are quite a few things in those boxes I do wish to keep (despite purging about 75% of the stuff when I finally make headway), like precious photos and family memorabilia, and I haven’t even known where those things are, for almost four years! My kids have not had the chance to look at childhood photo albums or school art projects. Beloved toys and books that they would still have enjoyed when we moved in have long since been outgrown. Cars that should have lived in the garage have remained outside. For almost four years. Ugh. As I read your post, I am simultaneous reading Jen Hatmaker’s “7” (which I see in your Google ads, too!) and just finished the chapter on Possessions. All I can say is, “Yikes.” If hoarding is owning what one does not use, I am as guilty as any of those people whom audiences love to gawk at on the TV show. Thanks for a thought-provoking post that is further compelling me to get this issue under control, and not slip backward.
Thanks, Wendy! I’m starting “7” this week – and I’m quite sure it will push me!
Over the years we have gotten so much better at cleaning out our things and giving away. We still have some things that could go, but I love that feeling of cleaning out, it’s almost spiritual. It’s freeing and your load feels lighter.
Over the years we have gotten so much better at cleaning out our things and giving away. We still have some things that could go, but I love that feeling of cleaning out, it’s almost spiritual. It’s freeing and your load feels lighter.
Over the years we have gotten so much better at cleaning out our things and giving away. We still have some things that could go, but I love that feeling of cleaning out, it’s almost spiritual. It’s freeing and your load feels lighter.
Over the years we have gotten so much better at cleaning out our things and giving away. We still have some things that could go, but I love that feeling of cleaning out, it’s almost spiritual. It’s freeing and your load feels lighter.
Way to go, Alecia! It benefits us and the recipients.
Kirsten,
I know you like to know when your posts have an impact. In my family, rooms full of shelves, shelves full of books, is the norm and I never thought twice about it. The most common home-improvement project in my family is building another bookcase. I donate clothing, for example, and I am careful to own just enough clothing to be (marginally) presentable at work, but, without ever consciously thinking about it, I knew that books are something you keep. After reading and thinking about this post, we donated 4 SUV-loads of books to the Boulder Homeless Shelter, the Library, and Reading Tree. And there are three more boxes with books that I plan to read one more time and then pass them along.
And now I have some extra book cases for Goodwill too. 🙂
Thanks for your mission; you often bring a new focus to things I’ve never considered.
I found myself in tears reading this response! To think of the many people who will be blessed many times over through this is just inspiring. Thank you for sharing your response; it does, indeed, thrill me to think there was an impact.
Kirsten,
I know you like to know when your posts have an impact. In my family, rooms full of shelves, shelves full of books, is the norm and I never thought twice about it. The most common home-improvement project in my family is building another bookcase. I donate clothing, for example, and I am careful to own just enough clothing to be (marginally) presentable at work, but, without ever consciously thinking about it, I knew that books are something you keep. After reading and thinking about this post, we donated 4 SUV-loads of books to the Boulder Homeless Shelter, the Library, and Reading Tree. And there are three more boxes with books that I plan to read one more time and then pass them along.
And now I have some extra book cases for Goodwill too. 🙂
Thanks for your mission; you often bring a new focus to things I’ve never considered.
Kirsten,
I know you like to know when your posts have an impact. In my family, rooms full of shelves, shelves full of books, is the norm and I never thought twice about it. The most common home-improvement project in my family is building another bookcase. I donate clothing, for example, and I am careful to own just enough clothing to be (marginally) presentable at work, but, without ever consciously thinking about it, I knew that books are something you keep. After reading and thinking about this post, we donated 4 SUV-loads of books to the Boulder Homeless Shelter, the Library, and Reading Tree. And there are three more boxes with books that I plan to read one more time and then pass them along.
And now I have some extra book cases for Goodwill too. 🙂
Thanks for your mission; you often bring a new focus to things I’ve never considered.
I found myself in tears reading this response! To think of the many people who will be blessed many times over through this is just inspiring. Thank you for sharing your response; it does, indeed, thrill me to think there was an impact.
Wow~ wow. I am only 26, yet I have a garage that emulates that of a family of ten! How can this be? I’ve always appreciated the simpler things in life, but my storage places contradict that expressed value. I’m going to attempt to live more congruently and CLEAN UP SHOP! Thank you for your challenging and insightful words. I’ve also really enjoyed reading the reflections of your friends and followers. I love that your blog provides a safe place where we can encourage one another!
Wow~ wow. I am only 26, yet I have a garage that emulates that of a family of ten! How can this be? I’ve always appreciated the simpler things in life, but my storage places contradict that expressed value. I’m going to attempt to live more congruently and CLEAN UP SHOP! Thank you for your challenging and insightful words. I’ve also really enjoyed reading the reflections of your friends and followers. I love that your blog provides a safe place where we can encourage one another!
Each of these reflections is so precious to me, and further refines my thinking. I’m spurred on by all of you! Thanks, Emily!
I found myself in tears reading this response! To think of the many people who will be blessed many times over through this is just inspiring. Thank you for sharing your response; it does, indeed, thrill me to think there was an impact.
I found myself in tears reading this response! To think of the many people who will be blessed many times over through this is just inspiring. Thank you for sharing your response; it does, indeed, thrill me to think there was an impact.