sparquay: I Want...

Thursday, 21 October 2010

I Want...

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." -1 Timothy 6:6-10(NIV)

This verse has become one of my key verses that I'm trying to flesh out in my life. I thought this especially fits after the recent Apple announcement. Usually, Apple manages to turn my attention away from contentment long enough to cause me to regret ever seeing whatever pretty product they have on display.
But the thing I need to remind myself is... I came into the world with nothing! In fact, our whole species was created from dust! To think I have a right to acquire and keep as much stuff as I can lay my hands on is foolishness indeed!

Why is it, we continue to deceive ourselves into thinking that if only we had (fill-in-the-blank with your own desirous objects) we'd only then be happy? And yet Solomon's wisdom can warn us that whatever we may acquire for ourselves in this life is just a vain pursuit that ends in meaningless self-worship.
At some point in time, we must face the fact that the American Dream is an idol we are willing to bow down and worship. We adulterate ourselves to this god every time we seek and desire to have these needless possessions.
It was in Crazy Love, by Francis Chan, that awoken me to the verse among the parable of the sower:

"The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature."-Luke 8:14(NIV)

He's talking to US! No, not U.S. (although, he could very well be). Us, as in you and me! Honestly, if we take an honest look at our life and how much time we dedicate to God, the reason we don't dedicate more time is because we claim we have a lack of it. When in reality, we are doing something as a distraction! How often do we seek our own pleasures before fulfilling the needs of others?
How much money do we spend on ourselves in frivolous things? We claim we NEED this or HAVE to HAVE that. I was realising how spoiled my taste-buds are. I am desiring other foods for lunch, other than sandwiches. How dare I? When I know in less developed countries, they are thankful for a bowl of rice they might get for that day! Much of the world's population survives on rice daily. Not as part of a greater meal, but rice alone.
How can I expect to mature in Christ if I'm not willing to sacrifice my pleasures for the goodwill of my brethren worldwide. The trouble is how do I help those outside of my environment. Sure there are lots of organisations that would gladly take my money, but I can not ensure that they will not take the overhead costs into account and only give a small percentage to who it is originally intended to benefit. That's my open question. How do I help feed and clothe others?
Honestly, I have to face my own selfish-ambitions. There are many things I still 'want'. The more I think about it in this light, the more I sicken myself. Why do I desire such trivial things in this life? I have food (much richer and flavourful than most of the world experiences in a lifetime). I have clothes (more aesthetic and functional, than for modesty and warmth's sake). To add insult... I have both in abundance! Why do I have any reason to complain? I don't. I do not have the right to anything I currently have. I am physically blessed beyond all necessity, and yet I still cry out for more.
God have mercy on me, for it will be-