Pastor’s Perspective: Don’t lose what you have trying to get what you want
By Guest Columnist Rev. J.D. Yates
Do you know what you want out of life? For many, this question is met with a shrug, as they rush through life chasing fleeting fantasies instead of pursuing a meaningful dream.
A fantasy, by definition, is illogical and improbable, yet millions live in a “Photoshop” world, where they imagine perfect skin, flawless features, and a movie star lifestyle. Often, these fantasies are so far removed from reality that they become unattainable. Ironically, those chasing beauty are often already attractive but remain dissatisfied.
What is truly important in life varies for each person. Some seek success, others wealth, and some simply desire happiness and contentment. In today’s culture, happiness is often equated with material possessions. The more we own, the happier and more successful we are perceived to be — or so we think. For many, the pursuit of money becomes a life’s ambition, with bigger and better possessions as the ultimate prize. Popular culture mirrors this obsession.
In 2002, Ice Cube’s movie All About the Benjamins showed characters willing to kill or steal for diamonds and a $60 million lottery ticket. In 1974, the O’Jays released the iconic song For the Love of Money, which warned of people selling their bodies and souls for financial gain. And, in 1993, the movie Indecent Proposal presented a fictional but thought-provoking scenario: a billionaire offers a struggling couple $1 million for a single night with the man’s wife. While fictional, it raises a sobering question: how often do people sacrifice what truly matters in their pursuit of wealth, fame, or fantasy?
How much is your family time worth? Would you trade moments with your children for a promotion? Sacrifice time with your spouse for an extra paycheck? Or worse, what if someone offered you $1 million—but on one condition: you could never attend church, read the Bible, pray, or worship again. Would you take the deal?
Jesus posed a question that resonates through time: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose his soul?”
As Christians, we have salvation in the present and the hope of eternal life in the future. We possess joy, peace, and the security of God’s promises. These treasures far outweigh the fulfillment of fleeting fantasies or the accumulation of earthly riches.
So, as you navigate life, remember this: don’t lose what you have trying to get what you think you want.
