by Michael Fortson, Minister

Canyon Creek Church of Christ, Temple

"But I want it!" were the words of reason coming from the mouth of a six year old boy as he tried to persuade his mother to buy some trinklet at the supermarket check out. Mom had already said no, but no didn’t mean no to this child. In his short life, he had usually gotten his way when he wanted anything. He had a mountain of toys and trinklets at home, most of which he had played with all of ten minutes before discarding. He had gotten all of those things, but was not satisfied, so he pleaded for more. He would not take no for an answer. This was not something he needed, but something he wanted, and the fact that he wanted it was all that mattered. So he pleaded, he cried, and he threw a temper tantrum. And mom gave in. What do you do in a crowded supermarket with other people waiting to check out? She gave in, and so reinforced the pattern. If you want it bad enough you will get it. Just keep holding out for it. Make a big enough scene...

It’s not just six year olds who do this, is it? Don’t most of us engage in impulse buying? It’s usually not about things we need, but things we want. We’re not even sure why we want them, but we do. So our closets bulge and we too have "toy boxes" full of things we really wanted at the time. Don’t we like our "things"?

Early in my ministry, I was a missionary in Tanzania, East Africa, for six years. Those years were some of the most rewarding to me in terms of learning what was really important in life. We lived out in the bush in a house built by early German settlers. For the first three years we didn’t have electricity. Then for three years, we had power four hours each evening. Our water came from a well, which we had to maintain. We had to hand dig our own septic system. There was no TV, limited radio, and the one movie theater was sixty miles away. We had to grow most of our vegetables in our own garden, and kill most of our own meat. Heat (yes, it gets cold in Africa) came from a lone fire place, which, of course had to be replenished with fire wood all the time. There were no microwaves, and every meal was made from scratch. You get the picture, don’t you. We lived like my grandparents, when they moved from Arkansas to Texas with a wagon and a mule. But, life in Africa was a wonderful experience and taught me to appreciate the many conveniences we enjoy now. It also showed me how unimportant most "things" are. You really can be happy with "little of nothing." Our lives were full of building relationships, teaching about Jesus, and loving and serving people. We had time to read to our children, and grow our marriage. The absence of "things" helped us to focus on that which brings true joy: God, family and serving others.

Jesus told his followers, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15. He knew that having more and more "things" was not the way to happiness. So, what is the way to happiness? The apostle Paul said, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation... I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Phil. 4:12 - 13

One of my favorite little "posters" says, "The most important ‘things’ in life aren’t ‘things’!" Singer Roger Miller expressed it in the lyrics of his 60's hit, "You can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd, but you can be happy if you’ve a mind to..." There are many things we can’t do, and many things we should not have, but happiness does not lie there. Oh, and resist the temptation to give in to your kids and yourself when you want something "just because you want it!" It is not good for them or you either. You know I’m right.