Bobby was at Toyota showroom this morning to service the car. While waiting for the car to be serviced, Bobby took a casual round around the showroom floor and noticed that a brand new model was on displayed. It was the Prius, a hybrid car and was also a car that Bobby fancied some years back. Immediately a thought raced through Bobby’s head suggesting that it might be time to get a new car and Prius obviously, was the prime choice.
Then a verse cropped up within Bobby. ‘For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil (1Timothy 6:10a)’. Thereafter, an intense justification began to surface within Bobby. It went like this. “Hey, the love of money is greed-lah. I am not greedy. I am okay with money. I pay my income tax on time and tithes monthly. I only want to have the Prius,…er… no… no… I am thinking of having the Prius only. You know, the Prius is a hybrid. It is technologically advance and it saves on fuel. It is economical to use.
And environmentally friendly…
And the look is cool…
And it is quite luxurious…
And I think it is within my financial means to own it…
And I think I need a new car…
And I think I should buy it…
And I think I must buy it…
And yes, I WANT my Prius!”
While thinking it was justified to buy the Prius, a second verse cropped up. It was Philippians 4:12. ‘I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learnt this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I AM CONTENT, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little‘. This verse indeed was the wake-up call. The car that Bobby sent for service was an above average 4WD. It was what Bobby needed for all a car should be but because of the Prius, Bobby got carried away.
It was indeed a timely awakening. Our Father in Heaven will always look after all our needs as stated in Matthew 6: 24-34. However Christians need to be careful with their wants. Wants are actually greed in disguise. Christians ought to be tactful so as not to fall into the trap of self-justification on one’s want. To satisfy our wants, we will need to justify our greed. When we start justifying our greed, we will need loads of money to satisfy our wants. It is an unending cycle. It will come a time when greed will overwhelm us that we will start to compromise in our effort to make more money. Evil thoughts and actions will follow. It is not sinful to be wealthy but if one compromises on righteousness to gain monetary returns, then it is evil.
As for the Prius, Bobby gave it a few more glances, appreciating its design and marvels at the sophistication of its technology. Then with a smile Bobby turned around and walked back to the waiting lounge. Oh that Prius – a good car but not now. God bless you.
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