Where Moth and Rust Corrupt
It hit me yesterday that everything breaks or rusts or corrodes or wears out. Now you say that this is no real groundbreaking insight, and I readily admit it. But think about it: we live in a world where nothing apart from God and what's done for God lasts.
In the past couple of months, here's some of what's broken or worn out at the 52 Clayton Ave. Shorey homestead: fans have fallen and broken, truck brakes have worn out and been replaced, van "Service engine lights" have gone on for who knows what, teeth have developed cavities and been filled, fences have rotted, tires have flattened, bench supports have come unglued, nails have bent, weed-wackers have frozen in mid-use, lawn mowers have needed repair, pipes have sprung leaks, paint has been marred, toothbrushes have worn out, bulbs have blown, thumbs have scarred, footbones have gone out of joint, couches have ripped, hoses have sprung leaks, pens have run dry, shirts have stained, shoe soles have torn off, shoe-strings have snapped, backs have strained, knees have creaked, necks have ached, arms have hurt, heads have pounded, wood stoves have taken a beating, dishes have shattered.
This is not to mention the hundred things that need constant care, like: hair needing cutting, dishes needing washing, clothes needing laundering, floors needing sweeping, grass needing mowing, oil needing changing, ad infinitum (hey I got some Latin in but it's probably not spelled right since I didn't check my Latin dictionary).
Now I now that you know all about these things; after all you have had to fix them all yourself (ad nauseum) this past month or two. There's nothing new or unique here. We all live in the same fallen and broken world.
Jesus warns about securing our hearts to the stuff of this world since it never lasts (Matthew 6:19-21), and He challenges us to treasure the things that are above.
Stop and think about all you've had to fix lately, and let it affect your goals and aspirations. Don't set your heart on anything, and I mean, not anything here below. It's not worth it. It'll always break apart, wear out, or die away. That's not pessimism or negativism; it's healthy realism that helps us lift our eyes to that which matters most and lasts forever.
Set your hope and love in God, alone.
Period.
In the past couple of months, here's some of what's broken or worn out at the 52 Clayton Ave. Shorey homestead: fans have fallen and broken, truck brakes have worn out and been replaced, van "Service engine lights" have gone on for who knows what, teeth have developed cavities and been filled, fences have rotted, tires have flattened, bench supports have come unglued, nails have bent, weed-wackers have frozen in mid-use, lawn mowers have needed repair, pipes have sprung leaks, paint has been marred, toothbrushes have worn out, bulbs have blown, thumbs have scarred, footbones have gone out of joint, couches have ripped, hoses have sprung leaks, pens have run dry, shirts have stained, shoe soles have torn off, shoe-strings have snapped, backs have strained, knees have creaked, necks have ached, arms have hurt, heads have pounded, wood stoves have taken a beating, dishes have shattered.
This is not to mention the hundred things that need constant care, like: hair needing cutting, dishes needing washing, clothes needing laundering, floors needing sweeping, grass needing mowing, oil needing changing, ad infinitum (hey I got some Latin in but it's probably not spelled right since I didn't check my Latin dictionary).
Now I now that you know all about these things; after all you have had to fix them all yourself (ad nauseum) this past month or two. There's nothing new or unique here. We all live in the same fallen and broken world.
Jesus warns about securing our hearts to the stuff of this world since it never lasts (Matthew 6:19-21), and He challenges us to treasure the things that are above.
Stop and think about all you've had to fix lately, and let it affect your goals and aspirations. Don't set your heart on anything, and I mean, not anything here below. It's not worth it. It'll always break apart, wear out, or die away. That's not pessimism or negativism; it's healthy realism that helps us lift our eyes to that which matters most and lasts forever.
Set your hope and love in God, alone.
Period.
Labels: Contentment, Heaven, Hope, Materialism
posted by Tim Shorey at
9:31 AM
4 Comments:
How we need to live in this space every day. When I learn to live wanting only His smile and presence, and His will for me, as seen in Providence, when I learn to make his will.my will, He never disapoints us. When my longing is more of Christ, less of me, he always answers prayer. I was reminded of my own sinful prayer life as I had my 5 year old grand daughter for the weekend, by myself. We were in 2 stores and she discovered in both of them, something she absolutely had to have. Oh the conviction, oh the passionate request, the heartfelt need, the importunate begging. How she made her request known to me. And for what? A one dollar toy at the chech out stand. Lord, is this what I look like when I pray? Give me grace to pray for a hatred of the things in this world that sparkle and shine and add nothing to eternity. Grant us wisdom to love Christ moer than life itself.
JR
I've been thinking about a follow up post entitled: "Need as Biblically Defined".
We have no idea how skewed our thinking is here. 90% of what we think is need and/or important is neither.
We are indeed like 5 year olds wanting things that fade and fail which we have no need of in the first place; all the while wasting time, money, and energy on trifles.
It's time for a radical call to radical simplicity and faith, don't you think?
Go for it Tim, at least I need it. Paul tells us that if we have food and clothes, therewith we are to be content. 1 Tim 6:7-9. The power of the grace of God is hard to see through prosperous, comfortable, American lenses. The biggest curse of prosperity is having no real felt need of anything eternal. The biggest curse of government entitlementism is the same. The Puritans used to say,"art is long, life is short". There are a million distractions at "Vanity Fair". I need to think, feel, and live every day as a pilgrim and a stranger. No soldier entangles himself in the affairs of everyday distractions. He has developed a warrior mentality and life style. Help us to this end. As you write about biblical need, remind us that "one thing is needful".
JR
I am reminded daily of this very real temptation to look for happiness in that which will fade away as the grass of the field. As different seasons of my life go by, and rather quickly I might add, I find myself struggling to "simplify", to enjoy my God, and to love and enjoy everything for His name's sake. As a "new creature in Christ Jesus" living in an old environment, one that is all about now, things, comfort, and building new rust piles, I have realized for quite some time that it will take far more than wishful thinking or a willing spirit. The challenge to "simplify" will take much diligence, and of course the Almighty hand of God. The second is sure, but the first, diligence, and all that comes with it, such as deep reflection, and planning,and most importantly a likeminded community of believers to help one another to swim upstream,
... just thinking out loud with you...
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