The importance of appreciating what's truly important in life.

By James

Texas

I came across the picture below a few weeks ago while surfing the Internet, which got me thinking about a few things, particularly my priorities in life. The gentleman in this picture is wiping tears from his eyes and seems to be scourging for food for his family. This picture epitomizes the old adage ‘a picture is worth a thousand words.’ 

It got me thinking because about 1 in 5 Americans own any iPhone. Probably 4 in 5 Americans own a smartphone of some kind. To be honest, I own an iPhone and I’ve owned it for a few years. In fact, I’ve owned multiple models, consistently updating it to make sure I get the latest one. Do I like my iPhone? Sure I do. Is there something wrong with my priorities for owning an iPhone? I don’t think so, but there could be. For example, try and replace the word iPhone in the statement below the picture with any material item that you own and you’ll see what I mean. “You cry because you don’t have the latest xbox” or “You cry because you can’t go out with your friends tonight because you’re studying” or “You cry because it’s raining and you just did your hair.” What makes this picture so thought provoking is the word “cry”. Webster’s dictionary defines the word “cry” as a verb meaning ‘to shed tears, especially as an expression of distress or pain.’ 

That’s where the problem is. We sometimes put material items ahead of MUCH more important items in life. Someone might say this example is a bit extreme, but I say it’s right on point and much more prevalent than we might think! Next time you’re out at a restaurant or even at church during the sermon, I want you to glance around and check out how many people are on their phones or tablets, instead of enjoying the company of family and friends around them. We value our Facebook and Angry Birds more than the personal time we have with each other. Too often, we are not living in the here and the now, but rather always trying to be somewhere else. It ought not to be so as we need to learn to value the things that are important. We can’t throw away the invaluable gifts God puts in our lives. Luke 12:15 says “And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” Life is more important that cars, clothes, videogames, shoes, and the latest iPhone. Above all else, life is about relationships and this should be your top priority. Don’t ever forget, you can hug and kiss your iPhone, your new car, and your bank accounts, but they’ll never hug or kiss you back.