Less Equals More

Read: Matthew 6:19-21

Emily burst through the door. “Mom, I’m back! I got paid for walking Bandit. I have enough! Can we go to the store before I go to Mrs. Stevens’ house to pack up the donations for those flood victims? Please?”

“How about some down time instead?” said Mom. “You’ve run yourself ragged all summer earning money for those Bangle Brights. How many do you need?” Mom raised one eyebrow and looked pointedly at the numerous neon-colored bracelets that flashed and sparkled on Emily’s wrists. Each thin bangle fit tightly against another to form thick bands that ran up her forearms.

“But Mom,” Emily protested, “you get four in a package, along with a code that unlocks a treasure on the website! If I can be one of the girls who gets all the sets before school starts, it will be worth it.”

Mom sighed. “Just remember that your worth isn’t determined by stuff, Emily,” she said softly. “You belong to Jesus, who loves you so much He died for you! He makes you shine brighter than all the Bangle Brights in the world, and you can shine that light to others by showing them His love.” She nodded toward the living room. “Why don’t you go rest a while before heading over to Mrs. Stevens’? We’ll go to the store another time.”

Emily went to the living room and turned on the television. But she didn’t watch it. She started thinking about stuff—all the stuff she had and what it would be like to lose it overnight.

Later that day, Emily knocked on Mrs. Stevens’ door. She’d brought her new backpack filled with all her new school supplies. She could use her backpack from last year, and she’d replace the school supplies with the money she’d earned walking Bandit. The newest bangles could wait. These kids had lost everything in the flood.

When Mrs. Stevens let her in, Emily quietly added her backpack to the donations, then got to work sorting donated items. Most were new, others were gently used. She opened a box marked “Girls.” It was full of hair accessories and jewelry. She slid half the bangles off each arm and dropped them into the box. She thought of how excited some girl would be to get them and knew it was worth it.

–Charelle Wilson

How about you? Do you think having the latest and greatest stuff matters? It’s okay to enjoy new gadgets and popular trends, but remember that the things found in the world won’t last forever. It’s just stuff. What really matters is having a relationship with Jesus, who died and rose again to give you eternal life, and shining His light to others. Ask Him to show you how you can share His love with someone today!

Today’s key verse: But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:16 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Share the light of Jesus