Faith Hoarding: What It Is and 4 Things We Can Do About It

My wife and I are fascinated by the A&E’s series Hoarders. Each episode profiles one or two individuals who have collected items over the years and are unable to let go for a number of reasons.  Eventually the hoarder is unable to function. Their living space becomes a sea of stuff.  Concerned family and friends then turn to professional counselors and organizers to help. In the end, the show revisits the situation months later with mixed results.  There are some successes and other times the hoarder “relapses” into old habits, content to just live the lifestyle they’re accustomed to.

Many Christians today suffer from some of the same symptoms as the hoarders we see on television. They keep their faith close to the vest rather than sharing it with others. They are content to sit in the pews (yes, some churches still have pews) then go about their way the rest of the week, ignoring all opportunities to share their faith.

What can we do?

Here are 4 things you can do now to break the faith-hoarding cycle:

1) Acknowledge the problem

Be honest with yourself. As with any vice or self-issue we wish to correct, first we must admit there’s a problem. Only then can you honestly take steps toward sharing your faith with others.

2) Examine your faith

Everyone believes in something and most everyone is willing to tell you what they believe. That’s the easy part! What’s more difficult, however, is answering the question of why one holds a particular belief. Have you ever considered these questions: Why do you believe what you believe? What are the reasons for the beliefs or views you hold? For many Christians the answers usually relate to tradition, upbringing, culture, etc., but do those answers support the truth for their beliefs? You should have good, sound reasons for your beliefs instead of reasons that sound good.

3) Face your fears

With great confidence comes great courage. Public speaking has often been cited as the #1 fear most people have. This fear is mostly rooted in a lack of confidence in one’s self. So how do people overcome this? Preparation and training – the more one sweats in training, the less likely they bleed in battle. Not everyone will be receptive to the truth. This is simply the way of the world. Knowing and accepting this fact can actually add to your level of confidence. Jesus had something to say about this:

Do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known….Do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul, but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell….Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. (Matt. 10:26, 28, 31)

4) Reach out to others for help

Asking others for help seems simple enough, but this one step is often the most overlooked. Resist the temptation of wanting to do everything yourself… don’t let pride creep in! Rather, build a small team of confidants and mentors who have experience in effective witnessing… and will be honest enough with you in providing constructive feedback. Remember – iron sharpens iron.  In time you can be that mentor to someone else.

Have you been in this type of “hoarding” situation before? How did you overcome it? Reply below if you’d like.  I’d love to hear your feedback.