The man is dejected, not because of the jail time, but rather because he spent so much time working on something that turned out to be completely worthless.
I think that’d be just about the worst fate any man could ever suffer - that is, to arrive at his final destination only to realize all of his efforts were in vain.
Do you realize that this is the fate of so many people in this world? I recently read a quote from Deion Sanders, the famous NFL/MLB athlete, stating that following his winning the Super Bowl he considered himself very lonely. He described this unexpected sensation by saying, “That’s not what I’m looking for. It’s got to be something else. I’m so hungry.” All that hard work to become a star athlete, in not just one but two professional sports, and at the end of all his efforts he was worse off than when he started! In retrospect, I suppose we can say that he really wasn’t worse off in God’s eyes because he had to get to that place before realizing He needed Christ in his life.
Mr. Sanders isn’t alone, not by a long shot. I’d argue that most people I’ve met in my life, especially men, but women also, in their own unique way, have spent inordinate amounts of time searching and reaching for goals that persistently elude them; or shall I say one goal that remains unidentified until after they are saved by the grace of God.
In America, the scale of values typically revolves around currency, namely money. Self worth in this country is almost unanimously accepted as a derivative of wealth. The richer you are, the more “right” you have to be happy and content. That’s a lie that every single humble person who’s ever “made it” has realized.
For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.
— 1 Timothy 6:7-11
No human being has ever found self worth in personal achievement, regardless of the measuring stick used. Some are striving for fame, others fortune, while still others find a variety of ways to amass worldly goods in an attempt to satisfy an eternal craving. I like the way Mr. Sanders said it, “I’m so hungry.” I also like the way Jesus responded to such folks. “Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst'” (John 6:35).
I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.
— Revelation 3:18
Like our Lord, the king in the parable above was not impressed with his subject’s personal labor for glory. In fact, it turned out to be insulting to the king because the object of the man’s self worth was actually an abomination to the king.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a giant roll of string or a roll of money, you can’t take either to the grave with you, nor will either purchase your way into Heaven. A man who places his hope in riches is a fool.
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep. There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: riches being hoarded by their owner to his hurt.
— Ecclesiastes 5:10-13
One of the greatest lies ever perpetuated in American culture is that we ought to “dream big” and cultivate a lifestyle in keeping with the world’s scale of values. I suggest you take a good look around, not just at your neighbors, but also at the so-called “success stories” and look behind the curtain to see the sadness behind the painted on smiles. Do not be fooled by Hollywood, either, for they are actors, remember, many of who are living proverbs as to how not to live out your life.
For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.
— Ecclesiastes 5:7
Love in Christ,
Ed Collins
