READ: Luke 6: 24 and Romans 12: 6-13
“What sorrow awaits you who are rich, for your only happiness is now.” (Luke 6:24)
“Life is short—Buy the River House!” I passed this real estate billboard each morning riding my bicycle around “Old Homosassa,” Florida. Make no mistake, the area surrounding the Homosassa River is beautiful. Being able to relax and spend time on the river just adds to what the locals refer to as “Paradise.” My wife and I come to the Homosassa area for our annual “Snowbird” escape. We were once tempted to purchase a second home close to “paradise.” After spending serious time looking for the perfect affordable winter retreat, we made the decision to forgo any present or future purchases. Yes, we could have done it, but at the expense of a constantly stressed budget—for us, happiness was not the “River House!”
Unfortunately, there are people who embrace the allure of a river house. They see it as a key to happiness in a world which proclaims— “Life is short—go for it!” The river house can be defined differently as people vary in their taste and preferences. It may look like a fancy car or truck; a boat; a condo in the mountains or at the beach; a vast stock portfolio; a backyard swimming pool and the list is endless. Today’s fast paced world defines happiness in terms of the wealth, possessions and power one has amassed. If you don’t think this is true, why are there so many mass media ads for wealth management and investment, which on its face is sound financial advice for anyone. But then stop and look and consider all the commercials that offer you ways to use you resources to buy happiness—easy come easy go! Declare bankruptcy and move onto the next thing—no big whoop. Then along comes Jesus to shake your logic, as he always does when we engage in faulty self-centered thinking. This wealth related happiness you are seeking guess what? It is quickly perishable; not infinite; and will only last for a short time—maybe not even as long as your short life!
Thinking of Jesus’ warning, and Paul’s exhortations in Romans 12: 6-13 to really love and serve others as Christ loved us, gives us new perspective on the true nature of happiness. Maybe your river house is actually a food bank; serving weekly meals to the poor; helping rebuild after a natural disaster; visiting the sick or imprisoned; teaching Bible School; doing short or long-term missionary work; or supporting a ministry that shares the love of Christ with inner-city children or those living in poor third world countries…you get the picture. Time to pray and see what your new river house might look like. Electing to build it on a Christ-centered foundation is wise resource management!
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
If you have the resources for the river house, get it. But thank Jesus and humbly see where he may be calling you to serve, for this is the source of true eternal happiness. Life is short—don’t squander your time, talents and treasures on the things of this world– stress and dissatisfaction are waiting just around the corner. Focus on Jesus’ calling—the harvest is indeed full, but more workers are needed—happiness will follow!
Dear Jesus, help me find happiness and my paradise by serving you.