The Declutter Bug (2) – Ten, Two

It is important for our home to glorify God in every area and clutter does nothing to help that. It seems to me that there are only two reasons for clutter in our home. Either we have too many things (and not enough places for them) which is reflective of a sinful grasping at material possessions, or we are careless with the things we have, and therefore not showing sufficient gratitude to God for the good things He has given. Both are extremes, both are sinful, and, as with most things in the Christian life, we each will tend to sin in one way or the other. For this reason, we try to encourage each member of the family who is a believer to remind and encourage the others to press on and treat material things with the balance God desires, to enjoy them, and use them for His glory.

The Declutter Bug

It's that time of year again - decluttering time. It seems to hit here several times in a year - this time it started with a rearrangement of the furniture (with the help of a friend!) in the schoolroom.

Ever since we bought the house, we have been trying to make sure our use of it glorifies God. This includes how it is set up, and looks, and runs and what it is used for. When the decluttering bug hits, one primary motivation is "how would God want my schoolroom, (or closet, or under-the-sink cupboard) to look?". It was David who got us started on this tack, many years ago, and as seems to be the case with material possessions, one that needs revisiting often.

This evening, I went through the marker box, and threw out all the dry markers. It's amazing how they proliferate! The rearrangement is looking good - the main furniture pieces are in a good spot so that school can be done, but yet not take over the ENTIRE schoolroom. Now I need to attack individual bookshelves, drawers, etc. Soli Deo Gloria - in our schoolroom too!

seven - Happy Valentine's Day

Having heard just last week of another married couple who while seemingly all together on the outside, has split apart, I am reflecting on Valentines Day and the need we have to honour and love our spouses. (Those of us with them that is!) It can be easy to take them for granted! So don't do it! Make your Valentine feel special today - and everyday! Then, neither you, nor they, will be tempted to break the seventh commandment.

five - Love those Grandparents!

Thinking about the fifth commandment today, I thought how often we apply it to our children, but not to ourselves. Even though we may have flown the nest and are no longer bound by obedience to our parents, the command to honour them still stands.

We have been blessed this past week with visits from both sets of grandparents, visits that I think honoured them as they were able to interact with, teach and love their grandchildren. As well as being a pleasure, I hope that we were keeping the fifth commandment!

two - "I am a Jealous God"

While studying the Vikings recently, my son became aware of a Veggie Tales video - "Lyle the Friendly Viking" - and was keen to watch it. My husband and I had a good think about that, and turned him down. Fortunately, our church library's 3-2-1 Penguins collection was a good substitute.

So what do the penguins have that Lyle doesn't - after all they are both produced by Big Ideas?

Part of the answer is in Exodus 20:4 where the Lord commands us not make idols for ourselves, for "I the Lord your God am a jealous God". Our biggest problem with the Veggies is that they take the stories from the Bible and re-tell them in an inaccurate way. In their effort to be fun, and neutralize some of the more violent parts of the Bible (murder, execution, etc.) they deform the story to be almost unrecognizable. I am not sure of my children's ability to be able to separate the wheat of the truth from the chaff of the add-ins and mutations, and so I prefer to show them a completely made-up story (like the Penguins) rather than risk their understanding of God's word.

God is jealous of his own glory and truth. I think that teaching our children to recognize his truth is a good way to honour him.

Purpose

Greetings all!

This blog has been set up to examine daily and practical keeping of the Lord's commands in one household in Niagara. Hope you find it encouraging!