Materialism Does Not Bring Contentment Or We Would Be Regarded As The Most Content Generation Ever
Materialism Does Not Bring Contentment Or We Would Be Regarded As The Most Content Generation Ever
These thoughts are based on a recent reading of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes and at Chapter 5 and verses 8 to 20, we learn that government comes from God. We should value government remembering that we are commanded to pray for those in authority. The Bible is a most revolutionary book and can shake and challenge many modern presuppositions.
Jesus Christ always respected government as did those apostles in the early Church, although there were occasions when those in authority were challenged.
Do not be overly astonished by what governments do - nor become bitter by their decisions. We need government. It is a gift of God, and around our world today, we see what happens when there is no government, and in particular when there is no good government.
Bureaucracy is not new either. Sometimes people find the red tape becomes too thick and it is almost impossible to cut through it, but we are called to be realistic and not idealistic.
Idealism nurtures discontent.
In verse 10 we learn another crucial lesson. The pursuit of things can cause discontent too.
Accumulating finance is not the answer either.
I remember saying some years ago when the Lottery was launched in the United Kingdom that it would ruin a life a week, and I have not greatly miscalculated.
Materialism does not bring contentment, or we would have become the most content generation ever.
The love of money is a root of evil.
Things increase your appetite, but not your satisfaction. The values of the world are so lop-sided. The more you have the more you want. Now that does not apply to water.
It is quite amazing that such a rich man is saying all this, but many need to hear it. Solomon was a most rich and wealthy man in so many ways.
Having a love affair with money will never satisfy. "If only I became really rich, then I could handle this and cope with anything!" That is not true, but how many believe it?
These are strong words. Riches and wealth can produce parasites - hangers on - people who show friendship for all the wrong reasons - for what they can get.
Occupational Therapy then appears - the importance of work. Most large hospitals have an Occupational Therapy department.
Translate that in modern relevant words and call it, "work healing"! A man just has to be out of work for a season to learn how vitally important and therapeutic work can be.
Sandy Shaw
Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
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