Running the Great Race

What is it that people are looking for in their daily lives? This thought popped into my mind as I sit here on campus today, listening to people talk as they pass by me in the lobby, stopping to talk a moment amongst themselves. You would think that you might hear people talking about class, or ballgames, or other hobbies. However, I noticed that so many people were quite frankly complaining about everything under the sun. Today, within 45 minutes I heard all of the following statements:

"I don't know how I can continue coming to school, its taking up a bunch of my time. I'm only able to go out to cue time (billiards) twice a week. "

"My Envoy already has 70,000 miles and the right window ain't working. Its a piece of junk."

"I wish my husband made more money. It sucks going to school and not having a laptop and stuff like some of these younger kids."

" My parents are mad because I failed two classes last semester, and they cut my spending money on my visa card. I haven't bought any shoes in a month."


Really? With all of the things going on in the world, people still find time to place these things at the forefront of their lives. I'm not perfect, none of us are. We are all going to complain about things from time to time, because its our human nature. The difference is, for those of us claiming to be Christians, we should immediately recognize the selfishness of our human nature. Immediately think of all the things in our lives that God provides that we take for granted, smile and move on. As Matthew 6:31-33 says:

So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

As it says in the scripture, there is nothing wrong with having these things, when they are received in the proper order. I realize that I have spent much of my life chasing everything that matters least in this world. I have chased and captured money, only to squander it on stupid things. I have chased a career, moving my way up a ladder only to have it fall out from under me. I have created my own "Gods" in the form of earthly possessions. I realize that if I had spent even half the time following the Bible, I would have received all of these blessings twice as fast with less failure.

I for one am glad to know that unlike the police, God doesn't mind U-turns. If you find yourself headed down that street the wrong way, just turn it around. :)

Now its time to do some class work. See you guys tomorrow.

Kevin