11/25/2012

   Almost everyone seems to love finding a good bargain, but why? It may be a practical matter of stretching limited funds so that basic needs are met. Others see events like Black Friday as an opportunity to satisfy their appetites for the latest and greatest what-cha-ma-call-it. At other times we see a deal that’s just “too good to pass up”, so we “stock up” knowing that if we live long enough we will use the items. I remember buying a grocery cart full of disposable razors at a store closing when we lived in Arkansas. My family really enjoyed razzing me, until I finally exhausted my stash about 10 years later and then I could say, “I told you so.”

   Obviously bargain hunting springs up from a variety of motives based upon both our wants and needs. If you stop and think about it for just a moment, some bargain hunting madness speaks volumes about the true values of many people.

   People who “camp out” or get up in the middle of the night so they can go stand in line for hours must want their item of interest really bad. I find no fault with anyone who is passionate about using their money wisely. But the real tragedy in all this material madness lies in most people’s lack of interest in spiritual pursuits. Why are people more interested in stuff?

   Most personal pursuits are fueled by a desire to satisfy either our wants or needs. Marketing guru’s spend their lives trying to identify the most appealing array of “red hot deals” hoping to excite and attract the greatest number of would-be bargain hunters. If marketers don’t uncover a passion for a product, they will not promote it. Perhaps this is why you don’t see too many advertisements for Bibles or Bible study aids on Black Friday. Most people don’t care about what God has said concerning man’s needs. Why?

   Often we confuse our wants and needs, being blinded by our contentment with the status quo. If this is the case maybe we are just too lazy and see no need for or want to expend the  energy it takes to really dig in to the Word of God. Many are perfectly happy with superficial Bible knowledge, but is the Lord pleased with such an attitude? No! He has commanded us to learn and grow (2 Peter 3:18) so that we will be fully equipped for the task at hand. (2 Tim. 3:17)

   We may gloat over finding a “killer deal”, but in the end our pursuit of stuff could turn out to be the worst deal of all. Listen to what Jesus said: “...Take care and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15). But let us “hunger and thirst after righteousness” instead. (Mat. 5:6)   KD