Christ lived one of the most successful lives in the history of man. He died at the age of 33 without a degree, influential friends to recommend Him, nor even a place to lay His head, and yet more has been written of Him, more sermons preached and hymns sung than this world ever dreamed.
He gave 21st century medicine to us and it is this:
“And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:15)
We live in a time when we seem to be defined by degrees, jobs, house, car, influential friends, and millions of other things which capture our attention. The message keeps us as a hamster on a wheel. Running around and around that wheel and getting nowhere and the only thing in return for our effort is exhaustion and emptiness if all we have in our possession is things. Things which fade and rust with time.
There used to be a saying which you may have heard, “Whoever dies with the most toys wins.” I never liked the quotation for it preaches a cultural message which is broadcast to us every day. That we aren’t happy unless we have the latest in everything, from clothes to houses to cars. A message which says we must be in constant motion to be productive and what we have will never be enough. God teaches differently.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us therewith be content.”
(I Timothy 6:6-8)
I’m somewhat of a minimalist. I don’t like clutter of any kind. I prefer simplicity in everything I do, from dress to décor, even food. I don’t even like cluttering my time with the non-essentials of life. I had rather spend time in things which have a lasting value, family, close friends, God’s Word, writing and reading and needlework. The most basic and simple things of life make me happy, from a walk, to watching leaves fall, a hawk soar in the heavens, a squirrel scurrying in the yard, snow, rain, birds drinking at the bird bath, humming birds, butterflies, honey bees gathering nectar from the flowers, and drives across the lake at sunset.
Our Lord was right, and not that I ever doubted Him:
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.” (Matthew 16:25)
“He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.” (Matthew 10:39)
“Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall reserve it.” (Luke 17:33)
“And He called unto Him the multitude with His disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)
May we all recognize the most important things in life were never things in the first place. Only those things which have eternal value will give true happiness.
“As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common, everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful. They are the things that fill our lives with comfort and our hearts with gladness – just the pure air to breathe and the strength to breathe it; just warmth and shelter and home folks; just plain food that gives us strength; the bright sunshine on a cold day; and a cool breeze when the day is warm.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
Eileen Light