About The Stuff?

While my wife and I were recently camping, we were looking over all the camping gear we have collected over the years with a sense of appreciative satisfaction. I like to set up a comfortable campsite: our dining room (canopy over the picnic table), our kitchen (another canopy over the grill, camp stove, and table where we wash out dishes), and bedroom (our tent). As we purchased a post (one that attaches to a table or sticks into the ground) that has a little shelf for spices, a rod for a roll of paper towels, an upper hanger for a lantern, bracket for a trash bag, and hangers for other items, I jokingly commented to my wife that "Camping is all about the stuff." This item really rounded out our "kitchen" setup. We have a daughter-in-law who even commented once that she liked to camp with us because we have all the stuff. Still, what we enjoyed most about our camping experience was for my wife and I to simply do some much needed relaxing together.

Many feel blessed because of all the "stuff" they have. Perhaps we are sometimes guilty of taking how TRULY BLESSED we are for granted. Most of us have much more than we really need. However, among those "things" what really marks their value? If some of them disappeared today, though we might feel bad about the loss, how bad would our life really be without them? Sometimes it is through loss that people come to grips with that which truly holds the greatest value. Their house burns down and they are thankful everyone got out safely as they say, "We can replace the stuff." Still, what marks the greater focus in our life? Is it "all about the stuff" or do we recognize the REAL BLESSINGS?

One of the psalmists revealed his discernment when he wrote. . .
"(36) INCLINE MY HEART TO YOUR TESTIMONIES, and not to selfish gain! (37) Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and GIVE ME LIFE IN YOUR WAYS." ( Psalm 119:36-37 ESV)

The psalmist's desire was for his heart to not be leaning toward selfish gain or have his eyes drawn to things of no value; something that marks the life pursuit of many today. His life was not "all about the stuff", but his desire was focused on being drawn toward God's Ways (His testimonies or commands) in which the TRUE BLESSING OF LIFE is found. How many have and are committing the blunder of laying up treasure for themselves and not being "rich toward God." ( Luke 12:21) When THEIR LIFE is required of them ( Luke 12:20), what then? May we, like the psalmist, not allow the "stuff" to distract us from THE LIFE that comes by following God. Instead of life being "all about the stuff", let us enjoy the TRUE BLESSING of life in His Ways!

Have a great day ENJOYING LIFE THAT IS ALL ABOUT GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Life