December 23, 2013

• Just Things

  
  There's a commercial I have seen where a man is in his car smiling happily. On the seat next to him is his brand new computer! He has his hand on the box in a proud way, and is whistling a happy tune. He stops at a light, and glances up at a billboard showing that the model newer than the one he just bought is now being sold. His proud, happy face is gone so quickly.

  The bottom line is that THINGS do not bring lasting happiness. Sure, for a time, we enjoy them. But, there is always something more to be had. Something bigger. Faster! More IN! Things usually leave us wanting more things.

  Don't get me wrong! I am very grateful for the things I have. I am thankful we don't have to take the bus anymore. I am thankful for my computer and for SKYPE. I am thankful I am warm, clean and fed. But, years ago, through my choice and necessity, I stepped away from the "wanting things" game. I honestly have everything I need, and a lot more. When we became missionaries, the steady paychecks went away. A lot of things went away. But God became more dear to me than ever. Oh, I admit it is hard sometimes not to have a steady income. I wish I could do more for my kids. I wish I could help other people financially. But God is showing me that having enough is... ENOUGH. I am grateful for the nice surprises and the blessings He sends our way. I am glad when another month goes by and all the bills are paid. And I am content. Things were never meant to be our source of joy. Jesus wants to be that to us.

  Do we have the warped idea that our value is based on the material things we have? No. What gives us worth is that God made us and loves us. We are His beloved children.

  Do we try to buy the love and approval of others with the gifts we give? Will my grandchildren love me less if I can't buy them big, fancy presents? I don't think so. Hey... even the Beatles knew "money can't buy me love."

  A friend once shared about wanting a certain bedspread she had seen in the Penny's catalog. It almost became an obsession! Oh! It was just what she needed to make the bedroom perfect! She finally managed to talk her husband into letting her buy it. Oh the joy! She put it on the bed and spread it out. It was perfect. It looked great. Then, she looked at the windows and remembered that the catalog showed matching drapes! Yeah..... Things. There is always something more to want.

  God's people have to learn to live a life of balance. It's not that God wants to deprive us of things we need. He just wants to be first in our lives. He is worthy of that. Because when the computer is obsolete.... when the bedspread is worn out and faded, God will still be there.

  (Mat. 6:31-33 MSG) What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

  So dear friends, whatever you unwrap for Christmas remember that if you have Christ, you already have everything! If you don't get everything (or anything!) you asked for, don't sweat it. They are just things. Rejoice in your Savior! Count the blessings you already have in your life. And, have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!

  • 4:16 am
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