Chapter 4: Evil Under the Sun:
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| Colorado Springs, Colorado |
Solomon was able to
have a very meticulous view of the things that occurred within his kingdom and
around him. Why? Because he wasn't distracted with daily things that we
ourselves are constrained to, everything was laid out for him and he barely had
to think about anything other than what he wanted to, thus he had a very clear
mind (not to mention his wisdom) when viewing situations.
I envision him
looking out over his city, from atop his unbelievable mansion, and seeing
oppressed people struggling through daily life. Not only were they oppressed
but they didn't have anyone to comfort them. Better they not exist than to be
striving after the wind and meaningless. The earth is evil and filled with sin
because of man and we still walk the streets with a mirage of kindness in one
hand and selfish desires in the other that will come to fruition. Not only are
we great deceivers but we work long hours, not because we need to, but because
those around us have more trinkets and toys than we do. We must keep up the
façade that we are in the upper echelon of society.
Example: David's budget
shows that I should buy a $200,000 2 BR house and drive a $10,000 sedan.
However, David lives in a $400,000 4 BR house and drives a $50,000 Tesla. Why?
Because it looks better and we have pride within us that says we deserve more
than is given to us. We strive to be wealthy (or, strive to look wealthy) but
we just spend it trying to look even wealthier than we are. If I can't buy what
I want, I will put it on credit because one day I will be paid what I deserve.
This notion is absurd and will lead to dissatisfaction at every turn. Why live
a life spent constantly worrying about finances? Is it worth it to look like
you are wealthy, only to be paranoid of your checking account every day? No,
God tells us to be good stewards of what He gives us.
We are called to be
brothers and sisters in Christ. Yet, we don't take relationships seriously.
Facebook friends do not constitute a friendship. True friendship is being
vulnerable and engaging in thought-provoking inflection. Deep meaningful
relationships are very hard and it will be a long road, but it is worth it in
the end. If you go through life alone and never truly connect with other
humans, who are all made in the image of God, you are missing out on a soul to
soul connection. One of the best ways to make it through life is to have
friendships and relationships that are built on a foundation of humility in
Christ. That is how we can create a threefold cord - through dedication through
one another while having both individual's foundations rooted in God. Two is far
better than one, but when two come together and become one with an eternal
covenant between them and God, that is the truest form of strength and
stability that we have on earth. Mark 10:9 "What therefore God has joined
together, let not man separate." If we attempt to glorify ourselves and
not our Holy Father, we will drift from the idea of redemption through Christ
and lean on our own pride. If we try to build a reputation of power and rise to
the throne of all things on earth, we will one day pass, and all that we
created with all of our toils will pass, leaving nothing but a vague memory of
who we were until the next generation.
Dear Lord, I pray that you will open my heart and mind to praising you for all the blessings you have given me. I have been given more than I could ever ask and I pray I will show at least a fraction of my appreciation to you by honoring you. Amen.
All images © 2015 - 2021 Jordan Tackett
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