Our new couch...

We got a new couch and I am unbelievably excited!  It's perfect- it's a neutral color that will match any sort of decor I happen to like on any particular day, it's got a slip cover that is dry clean-able which is perfect for our puppy and any future kids we may have (or any of the youth leaders we may have over, which seems to happen a few times a week).  It's big and comfy and just feels more like us, which I love because I want our house to feel like our home (more on that some some other day).  And we got it from an amazing (seriously, it was incredible!) deal happening at World Market! But as much as I love our new couch, this post isn't really about that.
This morning at church our pastor spoke on greediness.  He pointed out how often we try to distance our selves from this word.  No one desires to be described as greedy, but it is revealed in how we manage the resources God has blessed us with.
Now, I would not describe myself as greedy.  We open our home to our friends and family and frequently share meals at our table.  We don't have a bunch of extra money lying around, but I try to spend it in a way that blesses others.  And when I do buy stuff for us, it is usually on sale or a good deal.
BUT (and yes, it's a big but), how much do I focus on having nice things because I want people who come to our home to think it is nice. How much more do I focus on the new things I think we need- a dining room set, new TV stand, new duvet cover, and the list goes on... It is easy for me to think that we need this stuff.  It makes us happy and makes our house feel like home.

BUT (and this is the biggest but), IT IS JUST STUFF.  And as our pastor pointed out: stuff can be great tools, but they make terrible gods.  My focus shouldn't be on the stuff I think we need or what people think about it. And if I am completely honest with myself, I don't think the guys that Josh works with really care about my cute throw pillows (shocking, I know!).  My focus should be on the fact that God has blessed us with this stuff to use for His glory and to bless others.  The truth is that what we do with our stuff, our time, money, and other resources, ultimately reflect what we value and believe.  We studied Luke 12:12-31 and a few verses stood out to me:

"Then he said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'" (Luke 12:15)

"But seek first his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." (Luke 12:31)

And my favorite: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Luke 12:34)

Scary isn't it?  Where's my treasure?  Is it in the stuff I think we need, or that I can justify buying because we may need it at some point or because we will use it for church events?  It is easy for me to use that as an excuse for what we buy. 

"Oh, well if we had a nicer kitchen table, we could have more friends over!" 
or 
"If we had a bigger car, we could carry more youth kids on trips!"

Where's my treasure?  I really do believe that it is in the relationships we have, the friends and family who frequent our home.  But do I need a nicer table/couch/duvet/accessory before I can have them over because I am more worried about how they view our stuff than focused on sharing our time and a good meal? Absolutely not.

So this is what I want to do: focus more on using the resources God has given us as tools to bless others.  Realize it is not about how much we have or how nice it is, but it's about the things that are more eternal- relationships and memories. 

So I will be praying over our stuff now: 

That God would use our table to not only help us fill people's stomachs, but their hearts as well.  

That our couch would be a place for our friends to sit and talk about life- the good stuff and the hard stuff, and let's be honest, watch a few good movies or games ;) 

And that through it all (the shiny and new stuff and the hand-me-downs) God would be glorified because we chose to share what He blessed us with.