De – cluttering!

A definition:- 'the activity of removing mess, disorder, complications and unnecessary items from your life'

Recently I had to de-clutter my loft so that necessary work on the roof could begin. It was not a task I was looking forward to. As with all de-cluttering, hard decisions had to be made – what to hang onto, and what to throw away? So many of the items represented my life, and even that of my parents. How could I let go of these tangible memories? It was emotionally uncomfortable and mentally demanding. But it had to be done. So, with advice from the so called experts on de-cluttering (of which there are many in the media) and with the help of a friend, I got stuck in.

I had read that there were a number of benefits associated with de-cluttering. These benefits included: helping to improve mental health and overall well being, and freeing up space in the mind to develop positive habits and decisions. Encouraged by the possibility of these benefits I found some renewed enthusiasm and got on with the task. Progress was slow but that was inevitable given what I was facing. However, a few days later I was looking at a transformed, spacious loft - job well done!

I thought, 'If a transformed loft could bring so much pleasure to me, how much more would a transformed heart and mind bring pleasure to God?'. For most of us our spiritual life could definitely benefit from some de-cluttering. It is clogged up with all sorts of emotions and feelings from the past, and not so past, which are hard to let go of. Despite our fears they need to be faced because, quite honestly, they are hindering the work of the Spirit in our lives.

Three passages from scripture remind us of our need to declutter if transformation is to take place:

Hebrews 12: 2 urges us to 'throw off (de-clutter) everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Looking unto Jesus...'.

Romans 12: 2 'Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind'.

Colossians 3: 8 '…but now you must rid yourselves (de-clutter) of all such things as these...' In this chapter Paul suggests some things that we may need to de-clutter from our lives.

However long we have been a Christian, there is still de-cluttering work to be done. There will be things we want to hang on to but need to let go of. There are wounds that need to be healed, fears that need to be faced, regrets that need resolving and words and actions that need confessing. Only God knows. It is between us and Him. So, before we begin our de-cluttering, let us ask for His help in identifying our situation. Praying through these verses will help us: Psalm 51:10; Psalm 26:2-3; Psalm 138:23-24.

Only when we de-clutter can the Holy Spirit find fresh space in our hearts to fill us with more of the mind of Christ. It will not be easy. We need to take it slowly, one step and one issue at a time so that we do not become discouraged or anxious. We may have to dig deep and expose ourselves before God but the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer is our helper and encourager. Commit it all to God. De-clutter and give God the glory and may He take pleasure in looking upon our transformed lives.

Alison Edwards