Stuff won't make you happy!

Stuff won’t make you happy! I remember the rented Ferguson TV being brought into our home and the excitement of gathering round it as a family watching a screen about the size of a biggish mobile. Such things for us marked the movement towards having things.

I now own 2 or 3 Tablets and a computer. I was bought an Alexa and now talk to a computer asking it to tell me a joke! I can phone anywhere in the world and order a camera from Hong Kong that will be delivered by courier in 2 days. I own more chairs that I can sit on and can enjoy Central Heating on colder days while eating an Indian curry made by someone else that I heat in a microwave!

I know there is no joy in poverty but has the accumulation of stuff made us happy? All possessions are temporary by nature and as soon as the package is opened, they begin to perish, spoil, or fade. They look shiny and new in the store but there is always something better right around the corner; new models, new styles, new improvements, different colours!

Jesus words are helpful here. Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Real treasure is found in knowing that Christ has forgiven your sins and made you ready for heaven.

Happy is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Happy is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them.

C.S. Lewis said this; 'If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world'.

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Philip