Hoarders of the Soul

Human beings are hoarders. Even if we're not hoarding junk in our houses like the reality TV show, Hoarders, we are likely to be pack rats of the soul. That soul junk is what fuels many of the habits and philosophies we live by. Just ask someone why they do a particular thing in a particular way. The answer at first may be, "I don't know." Then, after your prying a little you will probably hear something like, "That's the way I've always done it." If you continue to probe, you are likely to find that the reason for always doing that thing in that way or thinking that thought or having that philosophy is chained to some past event either positive or negative. This is more than simply a memory, because it is still very presently and functionally involved in this person's daily life. It is influencing decisions, effecting emotions, and shaping future plans. This is unhealthy.

It is unhealthy, because most of this soul storage is junk now. Some of it was junk then. And, though many of us are very willing to clean out our garages, we are less willing to do some deep cleaning in our souls. Thoreau has said, "It is so hard to forget what is so useless to remember." The truth is that we don't have the ability to do it ourselves. Just like the TV show, someone has to come in and do it for us. That person is Jesus. Jesus said, "All who are weary and burdened, come to me. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."