From Hoarding To Generosity

Recently, a good friend of mine challenged people on his facebook status to give their stuff away now that they have received new Christmas gifts. He wasn't challenging people to give away their gifts necessarily. He was challenging people to give away stuff they no longer need as a result of the new stuff they received. He then took it a step further and stated to not just give away our "junk." I really liked his idea. It reminded me of a message that I had preached on "Hoarding" two years ago from James chapter 5. The word "hoard" means to amass or reserve or lay up. In America we have become very skilled at hoarding. We stack things and store things and organize things in our cupboards, closets, basements, etc. We have even made the "Storage Business" a VERY lucrative one (think about that for a second!). The problem is that as we "amass" things/stuff, there are people in our own families, on our blocks, in our cities/towns, in our country, and around the world who could be blessed by the stuff we once "needed."

So with just a few days remaining in 2009, I want to challenge you (& ME) to examine your closets, cupboards, garages, basements, storage units, etc. and honestly consider what you can (or even should) give away. I would echo what my friend stated, "don't just give away your junk." Be creative. Think about who could make good use of your stuff. Research places online that will distribute resources to others. Pray and think about someone who could utilize something you have been "sitting on." Let's all repent of our hoarding, and give generously! Let's all do it either before the new year is upon us, or to start the new year!

Here are some ideas of who to donate to...
(1) If you are looking to donate clothing, toys, books, furniture items, or kitchenware, 2nd Chance is a great place to donate to. 2nd Chance is a ministry located just off of 67th & King Drive. The first floor is a "second-hand" retail store. It is set up very nice, and has a great selection of clothing and household items. If they can't use your donated items, they pass them on to homeless ministries such as Pacific Garden Mission. The second floor of 2nd Chance is a transition home for women ages 19 to 25 and their children.

(2)If you have computers you are looking to donate (either lap tops or desk tops) our/Sunshine's Community Technology Center will gladly take them. We will either refurbish them for immediate use in our computer labs or potentially give them to one of our class participants. We also share donated computers with our partner ministry, Africa Revolution, who ships them to South Africa and Swaziland to be used in church based computer labs that are doing amazing empowerment ministry!

(3)If you don't live in Chicago, the Salvation Army is always a great option. Or contact your church and ask them for a list of places to donate your items to.

If you are interested, share who (non-profits, ministries, churches, nations, etc.) you have given your things to - in the comment section. This may spur our collective creativity in generously giving.

James 5:1-6
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.