So what happens , credit cards and debt begins to be amassed for things . Be it a big screen TV, car or even a house that one should not have bought . Pushing the paycheck to busting. All for the illusion to make the world (people) ,you are doing great.
If we can trust reports being posted , we are becoming the most debt ridden society of all time. Now purchasing a computer or buying a nice electric guitar , taking a nice vacation are not wrong but if its aways to on credit or just to make a image , its crazy.
[15] As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand.
(Ecclesiastes 5:15 ESV)
We accumulate stuff for no real purpose . As Solomon noted , from our mothers womb we came into this world with nothing, and when we enter eternity , we can take nothing with us . Money and possessions define us . Even activities . If I had a quarter for every time someone asked me what are your boys involved in , I would be a rich man. Even that can be a status symbol.
But all these things can be taken away in a heartbeat. It can come from sickness,economic downturn , floods, disasters etc... and if they are what makes you happy or gives your life meaning , you will be crushed.It also seems within Christian circles in North America at least , our spending habits mirror those of unbelievers . but how does this line up with what Jesus said.
[19] “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
(Matthew 6:19-21 ESV)
Are we seeking God's glory in our daily lives. Are we making Jesus our treasure. Realizing that this earth and life will pass away but the good works done in Christ will have an eternal impact. Being generous,forgiving,prayerful,sharing the gospel and enjoying Christ. If we are casting off this world and not caring who has what or gets what , then we will be content . The only treasure worth possession is the love of God found in Jesus Christ . That He calls us a son or daughter of the most high , that you know he died for your sins , that your are a new creation and in Him we have eternal life. That is the treasure worth holding for it gives back.
Being released from the rat race is liberating. Sure who doesn't love cool things and God gives us those , but they should not define us ,nor be a end in themselves.
1 comment:
When I was 40 years old, everything was fantastic. I had a great job, business was booming. I was becoming more and more successful. I was on the road to being one of the best paid hairdressers in the province. Except for that nasty little toothache, I was on a roll. Notice all the "I"s? God took it all away, including part of my face, with the cancer diagnosis. What He gave back was the best treasure of all, Himself. The blessings He has bestowed on me are too numerous and wondrous to number. Everything that wasn't truly important was taken away, put in it's proper less significant place, and given back. Didn't mind the first one that he made but I like the new face, as well. The most important thing, as the great hymn says:
"When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it it well, it is well, with my soul."
We think of it as a hymn sung at funerals. I am grateful to God that He sent those 2 women to witness to your Mom, so it could be sung at hers. But, we must never lose sight that it is also a hymn to remind us of what our daily priorities should be. Love you, Mrs Reg
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