Toy Story

Is your life all about the toys?

My grandchildren are still enjoying their Christmas toys. And so are many adults.

Of course adults’ toys are a bit more expensive. As someone has said, “The only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.”

If you knew me you would know I like technology. I enjoy its benefits.

Some people think that gadgets like computers, smartphones and electronic book readers are just toys. And for some they may be. But for others they are tools to increase effectiveness.

Whether something is a tool or a toy depends on your focus.

For example, a notebook computer helps me get work done and spend time with my family. On some Saturdays it allows me to accompany my wife to the mall. Then while she shops, I can write a column, catch up on correspondence or work on a sermon. Later we have lunch together.

Others live for the latest and greatest gadget. Techies want to be the first to have the newest electronic marvel. Many love to show it off and be the envy of all their friends and coworkers.

Such a shortsighted attitude could be summed up by the bumper sticker I once saw that said, “He who dies with the most toys, wins!”

There is a measure of happiness in purchasing and enjoying new things. But if your only point to living is the accumulation of things, then life will end in disappointment. Why? Because, even if you were the richest person in the world, you would leave it all behind when you die.

“Now hold on just a minute!” you say. “That’s depressing. What else is there to live for?”

What else, indeed! There has to be more to life than just accumulating property.

Jesus once said, “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Instead of life being all about us and our toys, Jesus turned things around and made life about others and serving them--God first and then our neighbors.

He knew that joy comes through personal generosity, not in hoarding things for oneself. The misers and the greedy falsely assume that amassing possessions or money will make them happy.

Jesus’ plan is far better. When people believe the good news that Jesus, the Son of God, died for their sin on the cross and rose from the dead to give them eternal life, their minds are changed completely. Life takes on a whole new meaning and they rearrange their life around God’s truth.

Suddenly they have peace with God. As the peace of God fills their minds, they are at peace with those around them. Jesus’ mission of reconciling men to God becomes their mission. And Jesus’ compassion for people in need becomes their compassion.

Because of this change of heart, a follower of Christ wants to use their possessions to bless others. If God has given them more than they need, they believe it’s to help the poor.

This change in perspective is so amazing and so complete that it’s hard to explain to someone who hasn’t personally experienced it.

For some people religion is like a new toy. They want it for the blessings, not the sacrifices. They’re like the people of Jesus’ day that followed him for the free meals and the health benefits.

But for people that love the Lord with their whole heart, toys become tools to accomplish a mission that is worldwide in scope and eternal in its impact. Sacrifices are part of the mission. As Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

When you follow Jesus, life is no longer just about toys. It’s about being effective for eternity.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!