Black Friday
Black Friday. A day of intense confusion and chaos. For the two of you who may be unfamiliar with this moment, I am referring to the Friday following Thanksgiving in which the official holiday shopping season begins. Supposed "deals" abound, and crowds grow. Even before the actual day arrives, detailed preparation is made. An itinerary is developed, and a route is planned. Some even camp out in store parking lots in order to be the first through the terrestial gates of materialism. While watching the news last week, I witnessed a story about a young man who had settled outside the local Best Buy on Thursday night. This was his third consecutive year to embark upon the adventure, and he was determined to get a deal. Determined? Absolutely! For the whole night, he endured thirty degree weather for his opportunity to step into the technological world.
As I pondered the scenario, I became overwhelmed with conviction. I asked myself, "Do I demonstrate more enthusiasm and determination for the Lord and His presence than I do for the stuff of this world?" Certainly I enjoy a bargain, but do I take more pleasure in it than I do Christ? Think about it a moment. Would I camp out in the church parking lot on Saturday night if I knew I would have trouble getting a seat on Sunday morning? Would I get up at 3 a.m. to experience Him if that is what is required? As far as that is concerned, would I be willing to arrive one hour early in order to meet with the people of God and experience true worship? I am afraid that I would not find the concept appealing.
Perhaps Black Friday exposes the gap between our profession and practice. We say that we love the Lord Jesus with all of our heart, mind, and strength; however, our practice demonstrates our allegiance to this world and its possessions. We are encompassed by a materialistic mentality that ultimately penetrates our own lives. Our energy and time is spent on self-gratification as we become contemporary idolaters. And yet, the treasures we find in retail stores do not even compare to the treasure we find in Christ. He is our Delight! He is our Pleasure! He is our Precious Treasure! Let’s desire God more than anything else in our lives. Let’s long for Him and His people as He satisfies our souls!
My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. . . . Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked (Psalm 85:2,10 NIV).