I went shopping with my son and grandchildren last night. It was a rather pleasant experience. I never heard this once: "Buy me ......" I think I should go with my son more often. Either his presence keeps them from asking me for stuff or maybe they're asking him! Of course, there is always the possibility that there is nothing left to "buy" them. There is nothing left that they really want. That would be a really good thing. Is it too much to hope for?
I have spent many a year trying to get them to understand that wasting one's life in the pursuit of having everything that all of the neighbors have is really a waste of one's life. There are many more fulfilling things to do with our lives than to fill our homes with clutter that we don't really want - stuff that will just sit on shelves in need of dusting. Things... stuff.... clutter... they will not bring you happiness. It is much better to seek those things which will. Seek ye first the kingdom of God.
Hopefully, we have all heard the phrase: "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness," found in the United States Declaration of Independence. But, did you know that Thomas Jefferson's draft was actually "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Property"? In their wisdom, our forefather's changed it. Someone must have figured out that happiness is far better than property and that property does not necessarily lead to happiness.
What can property buy you? Only more things and in this world today, higher taxes. Actually, owning property is not a bad thing in and of itself. It depends on how it is used. Rich or poor, is it used for the glory of God?
But, the constant pursuit of wealth, simply because we want what our neighbors want is not a good thing. Psalm 49 warns us that no matter how much money we have, it is not enough to save our lives. There is not enough ransom that we can pay to redeem the life of another. Everyone will die. Rich and poor alike will die.
"This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them." (vs 13-17 NIV)
Money will not buy you happiness. Money will never buy you eternal life. It cannot be used as a ransom for your life. One more scripture for to think about this morning concerning the one and only who is able to ransom your life - who is able - when you die - to rise you up in the morning.
"Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matt 25-28)
Do not trust in money, in property, in your own power or prestige. For happiness, for joy, for peace that surpasses all understanding, (Philippians 4:7) trust in the LORD, your God. Trust in you LORD, Jesus the Christ. There is only one way to eternal life. Money cannot buy it. Jesus is the way. Your life has been ransomed by the precious blood of Christ. Seek first His Kingdom!
God's Peace be with you. Pr. J
No comments:
Post a Comment