The problem of misguided values

From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin

Back in the summer of 2015 I had the distinct pleasure of going to Hamilton during Canada’s hosting of the Pan Am Games to watch the men’s bronze medal soccer match with Michael, my youngest son.

We enjoyed a very good game which had to be decided in overtime.

At the end of the game a number of the fans flocked to the area behind the winning team’s bench.

My son, with cell phone camera in hand, was among those seeking a closer look at the athletes.

It soon became apparent that a few of the players were throwing their game jerseys to the crowd for souvenirs.

And that’s when things turned a bit ugly.

Grown men were pushing and shoving young kids in an attempt to secure one of the sweaty and malodourous mementos of the match.

Michael came close to getting one of these shirts but was overpowered by a man who was more than twice his size.

I have seen the same type of behavior at Sarnia Sting hockey games when they launch free T-shirts into the crowd.

There’s just something about free stuff that brings out the worst in some people.

I consider this to be a case of misguided values.

Jesus said this in Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Basically, Jesus is saying that where your money and attention go, your heart goes, too.

What are the things that you value the most in your life?

Are they ‘things’ which don’t last, or are they something more permanent like relationships?

The greatest investment you can ever make is the investment of a relationship with the Lord.

Unlike that sweat-soaked soccer jersey, this is something that lasts forever.

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