Have I mentioned that I don’t like shopping? Yes, I know . . . it’s scandalous! How can a girl in this day and age admit to not liking shopping?? Well, it’s true, I don’t like shopping!
Now, don’t get me wrong, I like pretty things as much as the next girl . . . but I just don’t buy into the idea that real joy comes wrapped up in the latest and greatest must have stuff. I mean, think about it. There’s so much stuff that the world insists will make us happy, satisfied and fulfilled. Now, of course we need clothes - but according to the world, we can’t just have any clothes – no, we must have the right labels and most up to date designs and styles – and then, after just three months, those perfect, premium priced outfits are just sooooo “last season” and there’s a new must have label that everyone’s wearing. The world would have us believe that it’s not living unless we overstretch our budget to live in a huge McMansion with the stylish colour co-ordinated decor, the latest electronic gadgets and shiny stainless steel appliances that connect us to the internet in every room (and I mean every room) of the house. And we simply must have the latest, fancy car with the windscreen wipers that magically sense when it’s raining and turn themselves on – how on earth did we manage in the rain before that little trick?? And don’t let me even get started on what the world says that we need to get for the kids!!
I’m sorry, but I just don’t buy into the idea that stuff will bring us joy. Actually, I’ve come to the conclusion that the accumulation of worldly stuff is just a clever ploy to distract us from the source of true joy. And it’s not just stuff that we can buy that’s the problem, but the never ending drive to achieve can be just as blinding. The world would have us work, work, work; earn a collection of fancy letters behind our names to highlight our intelligence; climb the corporate ladder as high and as fast as humanly possible and do whatever it takes to make a name for ourselves. The problem with this though is that there’s never an end – we never actually arrive!! We just end up trapped, like a hamster running on a wheel, because all these achievements aren’t the source of true joy either. It’s not for nothing that life is called a rat race – there’s the illusion that we are headed somewhere, but in reality, we just keep running and running and running.
As I have learned more about the Saviour, I have come to appreciate that despite the really compelling messages of the world, true joy is not to be found in collecting worldly stuff or mortal achievements. In Matthew 16:26 there’s an interesting question to consider:
“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
In the quest for more and more earthly stuff and achievements, it is so easy to overlook the eternal nature of our existence. Growing a collection of worldly treasures truly does not bring anyone real joy – it’s like setting your heart on a beautifully wrapped gift and then when you finally open it, you discover a worthless empty box inside!! Sadly, worldly treasure never lives up to the hype!!
True joy comes from the quiet confidence of knowing who we are, where we came from and what the purpose of our life is. True joy comes from really coming to know our Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ. In Psalms 16:11, David recognised that living so that Heavenly Father can have a permanent presence in our lives is the source of not just joy, but a fullness of joy in this life and the life to come:
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”
I have realised that true joy comes from collecting spiritual treasures – not earthly ones. . .
Joy comes as we develop Christlike traits of kindness, generosity, concern for our fellow men, patience and love.
Joy comes as we feel the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost.
Joy comes as we turn away from sin and feel the peace that comes as we repent and are forgiven.
Joy comes as we resist the temptation to judge the choices of others and instead choose to be quick to forgive human frailties.
Joy comes as our hearts fill with love and pleasure as we share the everyday moments of life with our family.
Joy comes from living a Christ-centred life.
These spiritual treasures are what we need to have true joy. Now I’m not trying to say that we shouldn’t have pretty things or that we shouldn’t develop our talents and try to achieve in this world. I just think all that worldly stuff can be really deceptive and that true joy is actually found elsewhere – true joy is found in spiritual treasures. Honestly, we can’t take the big house or shiny new car with us when we leave this life. But, we can take love, faith, peace and strong, happy relationships with us throughout the eternities.
I've often thought this myself. The distractions are endless and it of no wonder to me why most of the world feels empty in its superficial conterfeits for joy. One seeks for fun when truly their wanting happiness. Most chase happiness with no knowledge of how to achieve it. I think only through the process of maturing spiritually that i've slowly come to learn how little "things" mean to me. The spiritual gifts you speak of really are precious to me. And I can use them to bless others lives.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim, just want to let you know I am really enjoying your blog. It is thought provoking and entertaining. By the way, I don't like shopping either :-)
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