Spiritual Clutter

How many of us have a home filled with clothes that no longer fit, piles of magazines that are never read, and gifts from relatives we never use?

Can an overabundance of material goods be a drag on a person’s spiritual development? More and more, de-cluttering and downsizing are being viewed in a spiritual context, as ways to remove distractions to inner growth.

People "are beginning to see that their possessions become a weight and a barrier to their spiritual life and to their happiness," said the Rev. Elizabeth Braxton, pastor of Burke Presbyterian Church. They are realizing, she added, that "the more we have, the more we have to take responsibility" for it and "the less time we have for . . . the breathing space of God."

Feng shui, the ancient Chinese system for creating a harmonious environment, has become another spiritual voice warning against a surplus of material goods. The first rule of feng shui is no clutter because clutter creates stagnation and makes you feel depressed.

So here is the big question…is there a parallel between clutter in our homes and offices…and the clutter in our spiritual lives? Could our emotional and spiritual health be in danger by the clutter of our “stuff?” Could eliminating the mess in our homes and offices eliminate the blocks to our spiritual growth?

I’m going to clear off a chair in my home office, move a stack of books on the floor, and sit and ponder. Hmmmm….