Crowded streets, loud music and neon lights. Once again the "Grand
Sale" is on in town. It's good news especially for women, isn't it?
Since my office is located right in the heart of the city, I thought
I'd check it out. And even though I have no intention of spending
money, I thought a little window-shopping wouldn't do any harm.
I see people busy looking for good bargains. I see people queuing up
at various counters paying for their merchandise.
The mall was packed with strangers. Being brought up in the city, I'm not amazed at this
sight. Material stuff. Seems "cool" to the world today.
Here is a situation that shows the carnality of the world we live in
today. One of Satan's schemes is to deceive the world into pursuing
material wealth and the price is their very own soul.
Our Lord Jesus himself was tempted into selling his own soul to Satan (cf. Matthew
4:8-9). Jesus was victorious by using the Word of God as a counter
attack to Satan (verse 10).
Christianity does not meddle with material possessions. As God's
children, we ought to realize happiness does not depend on the wealth
of this world. The things of this world will not satisfy the desires
of a man's soul. The bible says very clearly in Matthew 6:19-20, "Lay
not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." Hence,
Christ's kingdom is spiritual, and not of this world.
There is nothing wrong in material wealth itself, but if it becomes
our idol, or if we spend our lives chasing after it, something is
wrong somewhere. I began to understand why Jesus taught us to pray,
"Give us this day our daily bread..." and Proverbs 30:7-9 affirms it:
"Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor
riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny
thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and
take the name of my God in vain." We eat to live, NOT live to eat. We
are redeemed by His blood (cf. 1 Peter 1:18-19). Our soul belongs to
God. Let's not be misled by the world into trading our souls to the
world.
Well, I didn't go back empty-handed. I bought a slice of chocolate
cake from Starbucks. I'm thankful that I don't have to spend a great
deal of money to enjoy life. Anyway, what does a man profit if he
gains the world but loses his own soul? (cf. Matthew 16:26).
We can
enjoy simple things in life, because we know God is our
provider--He's able to provide our daily needs and certainly He cares
for us (1 Peter 5:7). And yes, the cake was delicious! =)
We are not for sale to the world, but we are "sold out" for the work
of God! Amen?!
Grace and peace,
Elaine
