I live in a culture that deifies what our senses can see while disparaging what our senses cannot see. I live in a culture that devours generosity to satiate our vociferous appetite for self while discounting a sense of shared community. I live in a culture that diminishes kindness and denigrates love. God is love.
I wasted way too much of my life wanting to win the approval of what this world treasures. Desiring the admiration of people who valued what trinkets and trips I could offer them. Chasing the awe of status and the supposed stuff that signifies superior societal standing. A marathon of madness that enslaved and exhausted me. Encouraged by an evil that tries to entrap humans from every earthly era.
Understanding later in my life I, or any individual, were never created as mere objects of consumption, but solely as children of God. Unlikely images that reflect a limitless and loving Creator. Ultimately realizing at fifty-five what my heart should truly treasure is love, not the things I’ll leave here when I journey back home to the Source of all life, including mine.
A timeworn journey that every Prodigal son or daughter knows only too well. A tempting attraction that subverted even the wisdom of Solomon. A timeless seduction that is adored and admired by a culture of avariciousness.
A nation firstly founded on the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is now a nation that lives far above its means. A country that valued faith, family, and community has become a nation that lauds all things that are super-sized for self. A people that previously valued modesty, thriftiness and self-restraint have become enchanted with mean morals like greed is good, bigger is always better, and every man, woman and child for themselves.
I was that person, but I’m also a person who has come to understand that chasing stuff will never soothe my soul. It will never soothe any person’s soul. It’s a parasitic evil that only leaves your heart desiring more, more, more. It seeks to subvert the peace that passes all understanding with a crazy competition for possessions.
Even though I’ve come to see the Light, darkness still surrounds me. I’m still led into temptation. My heart still craves things that I know aren’t good for me or my neighbor.
Even the saints among us struggle with wanting stuff, including sex and status and supremacy. We all do throughout our lives. In this here and this now. In this place and in this space; until we struggle no more.
The first half of this conflict between light and darkness is recognizing the enchantment of evil. The spell on a society solely centered on conspicuous consumption as opposed to salvation and sharing. Soul and spirituality. Sacrifice and service.
The second half of this confrontation between love and love lacking is knowing that evil has already been conquered. It has no real rule. It’s capacity exists through the assistance and aid we allow. In our fear and fright. Craving and conceit. Pride and prejudice. Anxiety and angst.
Even as I struggle with my own self-centeredness, I know the Light of the world has overcome the darkness. Love has achieved victory over everything that is absent of goodness. Love has given grace to everyone who follows the Way, the Truth and the Life. Love has saved me from my stumbles and struggles. Love has rescued you and me. Love will never fail you or me. Love will never abandon you or me. Love is the path I’m learning to pursue.
Peace. God loves you.
If you want to learn more about my spiritual awakening, you can read or listen to Finding God in Vegas: A Gen X Spiritual Awakening; available on Amazon and all platforms in print, electronic or audio.