Getting It Right

It was five years ago that we were all focused on the disaster called Katrina. I read today the words of a young woman who went to New Orleans in 2006 to work on rebuilding houses. I was reminded again of how often we cling to that which can be so easily lost while ignoring that which can never be lost and brings eternal life in the process. Here are her words –

But as I threw out big-screen televisions, expensive electronics, and heirlooms I learned that material things do not truly matter. Saving your family does. Driving through New Orleans even one year after Hurricane Katrina, I saw battered houses and apartment buildings with the word “Help” painted in giant letters across the roof. It makes no sense to try to survive a storm on your roof simply because you refused to heed the warnings given to you. It is even sadder if you stayed to salvage a few objects that can easily be destroyed and easily replaced.  Working in New Orleans and seeing what can so easily become of material possessions, I learned I did not want that to be my life. On occasion, survivors of the hurricane spoke to my group. A few discussed what they most regretted; they hesitated to leave when the warning came, and they ran into trouble trying to get away from the storm. Their belongings became heavy weights holding them back and dragging them into the disaster. (Amanda Brandenburg, Yahoo News)

For two thousand years the Truth has been available that there are never enough possessions to make an even exchange for one’s soul. Jesus said, “even to gain the whole world. . .” yet still today men and women continue to seek out and search for all those thing they are confident can satisfy the longing deep within the heart of mankind. Other disasters are on the way – and only the llove and grace of God can provide the peace which makes life worthwhile.

In all your getting, get this – “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)