Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. --- 1 John 2:15-17
I do occasionally breeze through the auto ads to see how much prices have jumped since the last time I did such a maneuver. I also take note of how the ads are baited -- lease a new vehicle for an almost unbelievable small number of dollars per month. Then you begin to wade through the small print which may have been designed by the over active mind of a Philadelphia lawyer! Finally you come to it -- that item says you have to also put a hefty amount of cash down, or hope that when you trade in that relic you have been driving, it will be worth the amount of cash the guy wants in order for you to get into that "bargain" lease rate -- usually your trade-in isn't worth very much! When was the last time you traded and got more than you thought your car was worth on the trade-in?
Anyway, the ad that caught my eye was one by a used car outfit -- a 1987 Porsche 911 was listed, picture and all -- the asking price? A mere $28,500.00 for a car that is 21 years old! I admit looking a second time and then a third time -- I began to wonder -- no mileage was listed as some dealers do in their ads -- just some of the features and the statement after that which said, "Extra Sharp Car."
I understand that Porsche is a very big name when it comes to prestige -- and it seems that those who are in the class of being wealthy (or think they are) want to drive vehicles that make a statement that says, "This vehicle is owned and driven by somebody who is SOMEBODY!"
The Porsche in question is a little shrunk up thing with 4 wheels -- as a few might admit, it could very well compete in an ugly dog contest when it comes to looks. But then the retort to anyone holding such a view would be, "You just don't appreciate the finer things of life!" Sort of like, if you are somebody of significance then you will eat raw snails and caviar -- for some of us, an Angus beef hamburger with lettuce, tomato and mayo has a greater appeal!
Each person has to make choices in regard to their personal system of values -- what is it that is most valued in life and what is it that we most zealously pursue? It certainly is evident each day that a majority are given to the ardent pursuit of that which is experienced through the 5 senses -- at the center of all this is something called money and all the things it will buy, including a Porsche 911!
It can be frustrating and the temptations do abound in a nation and a world where the rich are getting richer (dare we include oil company executives among others in this group?) and the poor are getting poorer!
One solemn bit of advice was given by the One Who put this universe together in the first place by speaking some rather simple commands -- He declared it to us in this way --
"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or' What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." --- Jesus speaking in Matthew 6:31-33
It was also this same Jesus Who asked the most probing question ever asked in any generation which is being swallowed up in its materialistic quick sand --
"For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" --- Matthew 16:26
It is good, sane and very smart to live with a perspective in which one views oneself as merely a pilgrim passing through on the way to eternity and a personal meeting with the Creator and Judge of this world -- His Name is Jesus Christ, the One Who sacrificed His life for the sins of the entire human race so that those who choose to repent and seek to obey and serve Him may have a place in His Kingdom forever!
So I guess I'll pass on that 21 year-old Porsche with an asking price of $28,500.00 -- besides, once I fold my 6'2" frame up like an accordion to get into it, I may not be able to get back out of it and that would be nothing short of a hell of my own making!
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. --- 2 Timothy 4:7, 8
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