Starve Your Stuff: Transform Anxiety into Kingdom Investments
Nov 18, 2024 Blog
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NO SERIOUSLY
STARVE IT
In a world that is yelling you to feed the need, the need for speed….wait no that is something else. A different movie? Anyways, you are being bombarded with calls to feed that desire for more stuff.
You will never break the cycle of anxiety unless you starve it long enough to long for something more. Something that can truly satisfy.
STARVE IT
In a world that is yelling you to feed the need, the need for speed….wait no that is something else. A different movie? Anyways, you are being bombarded with calls to feed that desire for more stuff.
You will never break the cycle of anxiety unless you starve it long enough to long for something more. Something that can truly satisfy.
Have you ever known that a single moment would change your life forever?
A friend of mine shared how the birth of their child was one of those moments. They realized, in an instant, that their priorities had to shift radically. The things they thought mattered—career, possessions, hobbies—suddenly felt small compared to the responsibility of shaping a life.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls us to make that same kind of shift. To trade the temporary for the eternal. To let go of what we think we need and invest in something far greater.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls us to make that same kind of shift. To trade the temporary for the eternal. To let go of what we think we need and invest in something far greater.
The Problem With “Stuff”
Jesus said it plainly:
Matthew 6:19 (NASB 2020)
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”
Think about it: how much of our energy goes into protecting or maintaining what we own? Cars, gadgets, crypto, clothes, a bank account that feels secure—all these things feel stable, but they’re not.
This cycle of stuff fuels anxiety:
|| Reflection: How many of us have lost sleep worrying about our bank account, car repairs, or a broken phone screen?
Matthew 6:19 (NASB 2020)
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”
Think about it: how much of our energy goes into protecting or maintaining what we own? Cars, gadgets, crypto, clothes, a bank account that feels secure—all these things feel stable, but they’re not.
This cycle of stuff fuels anxiety:
- We work harder to earn.
- We worry more about losing what we have.
- And somehow, we still feel like it’s not enough.
|| Reflection: How many of us have lost sleep worrying about our bank account, car repairs, or a broken phone screen?
Kingdom Investments Last
Here’s the radical shift Jesus offers:
Matthew 6:20 (NASB 2020)
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal.”
What does it mean to “store up treasures in heaven”? It’s feeding the hungry, forgiving the unforgivable, and choosing love over pride. Every act of generosity and sacrifice ripples into eternity.
Matthew 6:20 (NASB 2020)
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal.”
What does it mean to “store up treasures in heaven”? It’s feeding the hungry, forgiving the unforgivable, and choosing love over pride. Every act of generosity and sacrifice ripples into eternity.
- Your shiny car won’t last.
- Your latest phone will soon be outdated.
- But the lives you touch? Those investments last forever.
The Cycle of Anxiety vs. Kingdom Freedom
When we cling to earthly treasures, we stay trapped in worry. But when we shift our investments toward God’s Kingdom, something incredible happens:
- Anxiety fades.
- Peace and joy grow.
- Our perspective shifts—we start to see beauty in the Kingdom work happening all around us.
The Call to Action: Starve Your Stuff
This week, I want to challenge you to starve your stuff.
Pick one thing you think you “need” and fast from it. Maybe it’s skipping your daily Starbucks, avoiding an impulse buy, or saying no to a luxury you’ve been eyeing.
Redirect that energy and money into Kingdom work:
Pick one thing you think you “need” and fast from it. Maybe it’s skipping your daily Starbucks, avoiding an impulse buy, or saying no to a luxury you’ve been eyeing.
Redirect that energy and money into Kingdom work:
- Feed someone who is hungry.
- Support a family struggling to make ends meet.
- Help fund addiction recovery programs.
- Join a community project that shares the love of Christ.
Why This Matters
Jesus knew our treasures would own our hearts:
Matthew 6:21 (NASB 2020)
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
|| Take a moment to reflect. If someone looked at your bank account or schedule, what would they say your heart is invested in?
A Personal Story
When my daughter Eden was born, I had a powerful moment of clarity. Holding her in the silence of the night, I imagined her future—and it…it was beautiful. I caught a glimpse of the Kingdom in her life and I just wanted to be part of it. To invest in it. The things of this world grew dim. Who cares if I drive an old Honda until the wheels fall off if I get to be part of that? In the same way, and how much more so, when we truly glimpse the kingdom, we are willing to sacrifice earthly treasures to invest in others experiencing the kingdom today and now.
Matthew 6:21 (NASB 2020)
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
|| Take a moment to reflect. If someone looked at your bank account or schedule, what would they say your heart is invested in?
A Personal Story
When my daughter Eden was born, I had a powerful moment of clarity. Holding her in the silence of the night, I imagined her future—and it…it was beautiful. I caught a glimpse of the Kingdom in her life and I just wanted to be part of it. To invest in it. The things of this world grew dim. Who cares if I drive an old Honda until the wheels fall off if I get to be part of that? In the same way, and how much more so, when we truly glimpse the kingdom, we are willing to sacrifice earthly treasures to invest in others experiencing the kingdom today and now.
Let’s Do This Together
This is more than just a sermon; it’s an invitation to transformation. Prepare your heart to invest in the Kingdom, starting today.
And next week, we’ll be gathering to support [specific initiative, e.g., Compassion In Action]. Every dollar will go toward feeding the hungry, supporting families, and building a community that reflects God’s love.
Will you join us?
And next week, we’ll be gathering to support [specific initiative, e.g., Compassion In Action]. Every dollar will go toward feeding the hungry, supporting families, and building a community that reflects God’s love.
Will you join us?
Spread the Word
Post a challenge on your Instagram, Facebook, Threads, or TikTok:
- Share one thing you’re fasting from this week and how you’re redirecting that investment.
- Use hashtags like #StarveYourStuff #KingdomLiving #RadicalGenerosity
- Invest in your local charity. You can always find a worthy place making a difference.
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