Trinkets and Gadgets
Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
Solomon spoke these words. He had it all and yet had nothing. I find it difficult to fathom his wisdom and wealth and yet the depth of his depression.
Open your cupboards, closets, and drawers. Look carefully then ask yourself, just how many trinkets and gadgets does one person need? We come mighty close to hoarding, don’t we?
ME: Jesus, why is stuff so easy to accumulate? We buy things we don’t want or really need and then complain because we don’t have more money to spend. I don’t get it!
JESUS: I am assuming that you also put yourself in that group.
ME: I am guilty of that! I don’t like that part of me but at least I give things away and don’t keep them forever.
JESUS: Yes, you give them away to make room for new “stuff” that you do not need.
ME: Wait, I take things to Goodwill and My Neighbor’s Closet all the time.
JESUS: All the time? Once a week? Doesn’t that tell you anything?
ME: Okay, so I have too much, but I am willing to share.
JESUS: Why buy in the first place? There are so many worthy causes out that that would help people right now. You buy things because you want them. I have need of your hard-earned money elsewhere.
ME: Why didn’t You say so?
JESUS: For years, I have been trying to tell you, but you are stuck on stuff.
ME: What do You want me to do now?
JESUS: Every time you see something you can’t live without, don’t buy it. Put that money in a safe place and don’t spend it. Before long, you will have a substantial amount – if you’re willing to save like you buy.
ME: Jesus, I never realized this was a problem…I have to tell You a secret, it doesn’t make me very happy for long. I get tired and bored of the same old stuff.
JESUS: Yes, I know but I have a new way for you to find great joy!
ME: And it’s better than a sweet sale.
JESUS: (Sigh!!!)