Priorities Gone Wonky

Recently, I played the Good Samaritan role by helping someone pack and move. Everything had to go, so I went through the house with a fine tooth comb. Throwing away junk was the most fun. Things that had not worked in years hit the garbage can to be carted away to a new home—the city trash dump.

Then came the hard part—what to do with all the little gadgets and stuff that was purchased on impulse at the local Walmart. Most of the stuff still in original wrappers, I should add. There were back scratchers (probably 10 of those); computer stuff (including a much needed Norton’s virus protection disc); a Daddy Deep Fryer; motorized contraptions to cut meat, chop vegetables, or goodness knows what else. There was evan a device to shake water off washed lettuce, and a blender that is suppose to do everything on earth, except, perhaps fly. Great day in the honk, I never saw so much wasted money in all my life.

My moods swung from surprise to curiosity (is there more?) to boredom, then frustration and eventually to conviction. Why? Because in some sort of way this resembled my habits, too. On a smaller scale perhaps, but nonetheless, a reflection of some of the silly stuff I have collected over the years.

My, my, my—what a shame!

I think of Gigum in Arunachal Presdesh (tucked way up there in North India right next to China). He could use just $25 dollars a month. Then there’s Sanjay Christian in Ahmadabad, Gujarat, living in constant danger simply because he is a Christian. Kids in Ahmadabad need school supplies. Just a few cents a student would satisfy him. There is also Dr. Bal Krishna in Nepal who struggles monthly to keep a Bible school running in a formerly closed country. Of course, Dr. Willie Chelliah in Sri Lanka could use money, too. The Bible school he runs is constantly fighting for its very survival. Pakistan is another prime example. Essa Gull is stalled in its effort to reach flood victims there with the first Gospel message they have ever had a chance to hear. In this case, the only access to these Muslims is through humanitarian aid. A measly $20 dollars will provide food and the simple essentials of hygiene for a whole month.

Wow, I got carried away!

The point is, buys based on the compulsive impulses of a bored shopper are misplaced priorities. Is a Daddy Deep fryer worth more than a little kid getting a better education? Or a back scratcher of more importance than a struggling Bible school student? What about that motorized contraption that will do almost everything except fly? Do we really think that is should take precedence over the flood victims in Pakistan?

I know. I know. We dropped an offering in for missions last Sunday, or gave at the office. That salves our conscience, but conscience is not the question here. The question is humanity. It’s simply a matter of dignity. Do we place more value on things than eternal souls? Do we through our actions reduce human beings to something less than gadgets picked up at Walmart?

Don't get angry. I am just asking. For me, I must admit, I really need to rethink my priorities. I’ll leave the decision to you to yours—that’s between you and God.

But, the very thought should stop us all dead still in our tracks.