The process of moving is tiresome, even when it's only across town (as was the case with our move). There is so much to be done besides just physically relocating one's possessions (e.g., getting one's mail redirected, cleaning, painting, informing everyone of the new address, getting all the utilities switched over to the new house, meeting new neighbors, fixing problems [like bad plumbing work!], figuring out a suitable place for the furniture, decorating, etc.). Needless to say, we still have much to do and probably will for many months (or years!).
Despite being busier than ever, I've had some to time to reflect upon the overall process of moving and been reminded of some important things that are easy to forget in the fast-paced world in which we live.
First, as we hauled load after load to the new house, I remembered how easy it is to accumulate a lot of stuff. We had lived in the same house for over six years. We left with a lot more than we moved in with back in 2001. We need to regularly be reminded that we are pilgrims in this world (cf. I Pet. 1:1). As the song goes, "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through." We are temporary residents of planet Earth. We should live our days accordingly, focusing primarily upon the heavenly treasures we can accumulate. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matt. 6:19-21).
Second, our move reminded me that most of the stuff humans accumulate isn't really that important. There are some things I still haven't been able to find. I know they're boxed up in the basement somewhere. Oh well, I'm getting along okay without them. When we moved to the new house, we transported everything that had been stored in our attic. My wife, Ranae, then proceeded to sell many of the things we hauled over to the new place! She was right--we needed to get rid of some things. I just wish she would have had the sale before we moved it all across town (I'm sure those who helped us move are in agreement)! There is nothing in this life that we can accumulate physically that is really of any lasting value. We need to remember this. There is nothing that a person can own that exceeds the value of his eternal spirit God gave him (cf. Matt. 16:26). Paul wrote in I Timothy 6:6-10 - "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
Third, our move also reminded me that people love what they have a use for. Ranae started the sale at 8 AM on a Friday. There were at least half a dozen people standing in our driveway at 7:50. They were lined up outside waiting to be the first in line to get a bargain! Unfortunately, just because something is inexpensive doesn't mean that people will buy it or have a use for it. I'm not thinking so much about the leftovers from our sale as I am the saving gospel message itself. Salvation is not only cheap, it's free (cf. Rom. 6:23)! Sadly, many aren't interested. They don't think they have any use for Jesus or His church! They might be willing to get up early for an 8 AM sale, but not for a 10 AM worship assembly. It's all a matter of what's important to the individual (cf. Matt. 6:21).
In closing, let me encourage you to make spiritual treasures your focus, remembering that earthly treasures have no long-term value. Let us learn to love what the Lord does, making His priorities our priorities.