We are by nature collectors. We instinctively gather people and possessions to ourselves. The more the merrier! And, there are seasons when this is important. Some people have nothing to show for their efforts because they collected nothing. They accumulated no possessions, or home equity, or friends, so they have nothing later in life. While we ought not to be greedy accumulators, Scripture does not discourage us from collecting good things along the way.
There are also times when it is wise to cast away and to refrain from embracing. Not everything in life needs to be kept near! Some possessions and responsibilities ought to be maintained at arm’s length. Likewise, some people should not be allowed too close to us. They can be untrustworthy, even dangerous. It would be foolish to naively trust everyone. Likewise, if we keep every responsibility and concern close to us, we will soon feel overwhelmed. That’s why wise leaders are continually pushing responsibilities and concerns “down line.”
Some leaders love to feel needed. Despite their complaints, some thoroughly enjoy being swamped with work and responsibility. It makes them feel needed and important. If this is you, consider what aspects of your life currently need to be cast away. What relationships must be kept at a healthier distance?