Just In Case?

“He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more” John 15:2

#4. Cut Off. In order to simplify my life, there are some things that I actually need to put to rest, some things I actually need to cut off, and some things I have to let go. Many of us have what is called the “pack rat” mentality. The “pack rat” mentality is, no matter how full your wardrobe is, you want to hold on to and keep stuff. Your house is over flowing but you are still holding on to things. If you ask them why they are holding on to these things, the answer usually is “just in case” I need it. They have “just in case” shoes, “just in case” clothes, “just in case” possessions. That is the “pack rat” mentality.

I want to challenge you today to go home and get a box and label the box “just in case”. For some the box would not be big enough so you need to get a truck and label it “just in case”. Then sift through your wardrobe, your room, and under the bed because some people have stuff under the bed. Everything you have not used in a reasonable amount of months that you have labeled “just in case”, pack everything in that box or the truck. For some people it is their wedding gifts that they have been keeping for years “just in case”. For some people, your children have grown and you are approaching fifty but you are still holding unto toys, baby cribs, baby clothes, or prams “just in case”. Pack all those things that you have labeled “just in case” and give them away.

In God’s Favourite House we have a community outreach program called Everything-4-50 where we give the things that we no longer need but are still in good condition to people who cannot afford to buy such things. That would be a great place to sow your “just in case” and God will bless you. And in case, God will be there for you.

Go through your business and challenge processes. What is the purpose and what is the result? A Fortune 500 company had a team generating a three hundred-page report every month until someone challenged the importance of the process. He dissolved the team and nobody even noticed until months later. And guess what? He was applauded for stopping the process. What are you doing that nobody cares about? Cut it off!

Prayer:  Jesus, help me to hold loosely to things and tightly to You. Please help me to cut off things in my life that are not bearing fruit, in Jesus Name.