"And who of you by being
worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about
clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they
spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself
like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive
today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you?
You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What
will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly
seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these
things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things
will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for
itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
(Matthew 6:27-34)
I increasingly notice a concept that promises a lot but causes pain. The
concept: “We can have it all!” It promises we can have everything without making
choices. We can have “it all,” and no one will suffer. Values will not be
diluted. Priorities will not be altered. Relationships will be blessed.
Individuals will flourish. Families will remain intact. Everyone will be
“happy”—whatever that is.
“Having it all” requires adjustments, but the exchanges are okay. Thus, we
exchange spiritual existence for a “going to church” habit. We exchange family
time for couple of weekly meals together. We exchange “My word is my bond!” for
“Can I legally contest that contract?” We exchange “it is needful” for “it is
pushing.” We exchange relationships for lifestyle. We redefine success: success
is what you possess instead of who you are as a person.
What results from seeking it all? Parents try to prove love by giving instead of
being. Lonely, suffering children turn to anything that offers escape from
loneliness. Divorce is expected. Religious habits replace spiritual development.
Few are trusted [even in families!]; motives are doubted [what are they up to?]
Boats dry rot in garages. Credit cards are over extended. We live today on what
we hope to earn next year. We work too hard to enjoy each other. The gap between
poverty and the middle class increases. Those with much seek more in the fear of
not having. The definition of “rich” constantly changes. Remember when rich was
having a few thousand dollars?
As the transition continues, two things are striking. (1) How easy it is to
become selfish is striking. The question seems to be, “Am I happy?” The answer
seems to be, “No, but I will be when I get . . .” (2) The confidence “we can
have it all” without having to make choices is striking. According to today’s
reasoning, responsibility destroys happiness!
Choices are inescapable! We cannot have it all! One huge self-deceit of evil is,
“We should never have to exclude anything.” Perhaps we exclude God! If so, that
is sad beyond description! Following God is about unselfish choices—always! It
is unselfish choices that define God’s concept of righteousness.
Link to other Writings of David Chadwell