The Problem With Things
Jim Gillaspie
The joke comes in all different forms. The lonely man who
places an add in the paper: "Desire to meet young lady with a
fishing boat for romance and possible marriage - send picture of
boat!" Or the young fellow who said to his fiance: "My business
just failed, and I'm broke - I've lost everything. I hope you
still love me." To which his fiance replied; "Of course I still
love you - and I'm going to miss you too!" Being an amateur radio
operator, I got a kick out of this one: "My wife said she was
leaving me if I didn't get off this radio....OVER!" All of these
stories point out a truth that we are not too proud of - we are
preoccupied with things!
To some, the bottom line in the bank
account is the measure of success. To others, it is the type of
car you drive or brand of clothing that you wear. Many go through
life knocking themselves out, trying to get ahead. They are too
busy to enjoy life or their families right now. They are too busy
to get involved in spiritual matters right now. Those things are
always on the back burner. We have become the victims of one of
the cruelest jokes of all times - living for things!
Happiness seems always just out of reach. We live for that "some
day" when all the work will be caught up, and all the money will be
made. Meanwhile, life is passing us by! Our children are growing
up and we don't even know it. Our friends and families are growing
older, and we don't even know it. A song asks this question: "Why
does it always seem to be, that you don't know what you've got 'til
it's gone?" Why? Because we are hypnotized by things.
Of course we have to work. Certainly we must provide for our
families. But let's not lose sight of what is truly important in
life. Jesus said: "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a
man's life consisteth not in the abundance of things which he
possesseth" (Luke 12:15). Paul warned: "If ye then be risen with
Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on
the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on
things of the earth" (Col 3:1-2). Take a good look at what is
really important. Examine your priorities in the light of the
scriptures (Matt 6:33). (1) Things cannot comfort you, but the
presence of the Lord can (1 Pet 5:7). (2) Things cannot bring peace into your heart, but
prayer can (Phil 4:6-7). (3) Things cannot fill the empty void in
your life, but sharing your life with your husband or wife can
(Prov 5:18). Things are tools, not gods! They bring no joy by
themselves. Don't be like the poor rich man who said; "I have
everything to live with, and nothing to live for!"