FUN OR FULFILLMENT?
Many in our society
have been collectively brainwashed. Of course, there are numerous exceptions
to the rule, and you very well could be one of them. But far too many of us have become transfixed
by a seductive allure and eagerness to embrace things, situations, occasions
and people that we consider to be FUN.
Our society
conditions us to engage fully in the hot pursuit of ‘fun’ things. In contemporary culture, products are marketed
more for their enjoyment quotient than for their inherent value and
usefulness. When we view a car
commercial, it seldom emphasizes horsepower or reliability. Rather, we
are sold on its potential to have someone occupying the seat next to us who
looks like that gorgeous or handsome model in the TV advertisement.
In truth, nearly
everything is sold or bought on that basis, from vacations to clothing to shoes
to beauty products. Our evaluation of
their value typically reflects our perception of how close they might carry us
to the margins of merriment.
The irony of this
is the simple fact that the acquisition of things never ever satisfies.
Having the first of any product soon demands a bigger, better and newer
version of the same. And it’s a must that we own the latest technology
innovation, i.e. the newest Apple product – even a computerized watch – which
we may not be sure what to do with when we eventually obtain it!?!
Contrary to popular
opinion and societal norms, “life does not consist in the abundance of things
[we] possess.” (Jesus Christ ~ Luke 12:15) Rather, the abundant life is
characterized by how much we are willing to share generously of our time,
talent and treasure. Personal
fulfillment is the product of true faith and firm commitment. It is the intangible result of devotion to God
and others, and it is the polar opposite of unabashed greed, power mongering, property
hoarding and self-centeredness.
Therefore, we must
never become prisoners of ourselves, our surroundings, or our possessions.
While it is never problematic to God that we enjoy certain creature
comforts, we must become balanced owners of property, as opposed to being owned
by the property, itself.
Decades ago in
elementary school, I read an original story about a young boy who loved chewing
gum. One day, he was offered a piece of
gum and happily accepted. After a time, the child grew tired of the gum,
but he discovered that he could not get rid of it no matter how hard he tried.
In short order, it felt very much like that gum was ‘chewing him’ – instead of him chewing the gum. What a
predicament that wound up being! Can you
imagine how tired your mouth might feel and how drained your emotions would be
if you had to be ‘chewed’ by your gum day after day after day after day?
Application? My friends, let's not allow so-called FUN to chew us
up!
Consider this.
A long-term marriage might not seem as alluring as a passionate fling,
but it is far more fulfilling. Studying
the Word might not seem as titillating as the latest novel, but it is far more
enlightening. Let's resolve to live out
our days with the fullness of joy that is only attained through wisdom,
balance, consistency, faith, forgiveness, generosity and love. In case we
are presently unable to discern its present value, trust me, someday we will.
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