Hoarding is such a creepy condition, that you have to be self aware of your situation or you might wake up one day and realize that you have turned yourself into a hoarder. Defined in the dictionary as acquisition/accumulation of and failure to use supplies, hoarding may make one materially wealthy by giving a false ideology of self preservation, but it leads spiritual impoverishment at the end.
There is a psychological condition associated with hoarding often referred to as compulsive hoarding. I will briefly strip scientific view of this subject on this article, and highlight a Christian perspective to the condition. However, please understand that I do not in any way want undermine scientific research, or intend to imply that these scientific facts are somehow irrelevant. What I wish to accomplish is take a look at this condition and create brief correlation with Christian living. My main prayer is that if you are struggling with this condition, you will find healing and restoration in your heart and mind.
The big Question! Why people result to hoarding
# 1 Fear of tomorrow
I believe that this is the root cause of this condition. A victim engages in combat anxiety-provoking thoughts such as: “What if I run out?” “What if I need to know something and don’t have the information available?” “What if I put it away and can’t find it?” “What if the way I organize it isn’t the right way?” “What if I throw it away but the day comes when I really need it?”
This is due to lack of faith…we put our security in our finances, our jobs, and other tangible material things other than finding security in God. As a result, when these elements are shifted, we put a defensive front and it can manifest itself in form of hoarding… we start piling up stuff, we quit sharing and giving and helping others because we are anxious about tomorrow.
But Jesus asked “And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span? (Luke 12:25)
# 2. Selfishness
This is a character issue, and no one is immune to it. English dictionary defines it as “being concerned with your own interests, needs, and wishes while ignoring those of others” This character can exemplify itself in form of hoarding. Why? because may be i want to be better than him, or i really don’t care about anybody else.
Philippians 2:3 talks about this condition “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves”.
Dealing with hoarder’s condition
Steward Mentality
We all need the means to put bread on the table, roof over our heads and some stuff to enjoy as we journey through life, but we have to constantly remember that these are just avenues that God has opened for us and we are just stewards of God’s resources, and he expect from us to use these resources for His Glory.
Get an accountability partner/ team
If struggling with ‘hoarding condition’ I highly recommend getting accountability partner(s) who is not afraid to question your motives and point out your flaws; someone you respect and can listen to. Proverbs 15:22 “Where there are no wise suggestions, purposes come to nothing; but by a number of wise guides they are made certain.”
Ask God for Wisdom
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 NIV
Do not keep more than you need
Constantly keep this in mind, whenever you shop, or store stuff, resist the temptation to worry about the inadequacies of tomorrow because it does not belong to you. That means you plan, you budget, you prepare, but stand above anxiety.
Be proactive
Start now and remove the clutters out of your life, as noted earlier, give some of what you do not need to the thrift store, throw a yard sale and use that to pay off some debt, whatever it is! start now.
Reach out
One of the best ways of learning is to teach, if you are in this condition, do not resign to the fact that you are a hoarder. Use it as a platform to reach out to other people struggling with the same condition and let them see how you have done it. You never know how much impact you can create.
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makes sense no wonder Paul writes in philipians 4 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.