Years ago a movie was released titled Ice Age. As the franchise has grown, millions of children all over the world have been introduced to a few furry cartoon characters and the journey they endure to outrun the pending Ice Age. Even more importantly we were introduced to the funniest (in my opinion) and most interesting of all the characters, Scrat the Squirrel (pictured above). Both my children and I think he’s hilarious. Though he was never meant to be the main character, Scrat always finds a way to steal the spotlight throughout each movie simply by chasing and attempting to hide that ever-elusive acorn. Just as he gets his hands on it, something happens and he loses it. Throughout each movie his very life existence, dreams, and goals center on this never ending activity. Even to his own demise he will chase that acorn. You could literally build the movie around this funny little furry creature. The audience watches as he repeats this same action over and over, always expecting a different outcome–and, bless his furry little heart, he never gets it. Albert Einstein calls this insanity.
Recently, millions of people could be found fighting over extremely discounted items (or so they thought) at all our local establishments. Black Friday is the time when many are found purchasing new cars, designer clothing and accessories, overly priced shoes, planning exotic vacations, and so much more. We’re reeled in with those flashy advertisements and walk out wondering what possessed us to lose 12 hours of sleep to fight over a flat screen television. Admittedly, I’ve caught myself doing the same from time to time. Rarely when I make purchases do I actually need what I am getting. We’re like the hamster that jumps on the wheel and runs for hours. There’s always the glimmer of hope that this time will be different—and it never is. We do this because we have given certain things priority and/or value in our lives. The value of an items changes according to who is viewing it. You can place perfect steak in front of me and, while I can admire it for the way it looks or smells, I don’t find much value in it. I just don’t care for steak. If you place it in front of my skinny, meat-obsessed wife you better keep your hands away from her plate or you’ll draw back a nub. Matthew 6 finds Jesus right in the middle of His sermon on the mount preaching on inward/outward expressions of holiness, private prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and more. In verse 33 he states, “but seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Does this mean if we seek God and skip Black Friday that we will still get really good Christmas deals? Maybe—but probably not, ha ha! The ideal being expressed is trusting and seeking God and His will for our lives rather than striving for personal gain. We can stay on the hamster will of self gain or turn our attention outward to the lost and hurting. What are you chasing?
Closing remarks and encouragement: You could buy everything your heart desires and never truly be happy. You’ll always want more. “…but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Save your energy to chase that which is worthy in the sight of God. You’ll avoid a lot of hardship!
Have a blessed week, my friends!