Our existence dictates we hold onto things. From childhood, our fingers grab. Young minds learn to say “mine.” We bond with family and friends as part of our identity. Trinkets remind us of events and people no longer in our lives. Stuff makes life exciting and more comfortable.
Not all possessions are beneficial; not all relationships are healthy. Yet, we hold onto them as precious. The thought of letting go compels a firmer grip. We even hide them at the back of the closet to keep them safe.
But, letting go is what God asks us to do.
The Bible describes people as vessels. This metaphor describes objects that hold things: a cup, a bowl, a box, an urn. We are born as a vessel filled with pure life. Almost immediately, we start to displace that spirit with mental and emotional possessions. Think of these as pebbles, marbles, and bits of stuff that fill a child’s secret box. Some memories are pretty; they bring us joy. But, if they are not shared, they become dusty. Some memories are just lumps that take up space, but we can not get rid of them because they are part of the collection. Then, some memories hurt. Razor-sharp edges slice deep with each touch. Some of these memories grow like a fungus. They coat every memory in slimy poison. Those old pains taint memory; disgust, anger, and hatred become our identity.
God wants to clean out our life deforming collection. As soon as we give up control of “mine,” He starts to refill our vessel with the water of life. If we permit him, he will wash away the sludge and pull out the sharp bits. He even plugs the holes that let his presence “escape.” This process is not often a single life-changing event. God gives us a lifetime of life-changing events that he customizes to free us.
Relax. Let go. God likes pretty keepsakes too. Cleaned up, these reflect God’s love and are ready to share. He does not wipe away our memories. God removes the devastating emotions and frees us from the obsessions that cripple our future. We become a testimony to God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy.
Now, that is an excellent box of treasures!
