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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Snap (09/04/08)
Sirens blared! The crowd craned their necks to see from where the sirens were coming. It was an instinctive reaction. Sirens blare and people want to know what is happening. Today everyone knows what is happening; it’s the annual parade.

Following the police car, with its blaring siren, comes the honor guard. Uniformed members of the honor guard march sharply as they carry the flags. The crowd rises to honor our flag. The flag reminds us of our freedom. Having practiced in the hot, humid weather, young people in junior and senior high school bands are now prancing down the street with their instruments at attention. The musicians are anticipating the drum cadence which announces it’s time to play and band begins.

I love a parade. As a frustrated musician, the music of the bands brings tears to my eyes. However, this year my tears quickly turned to frustration. Why? As the floats representing churches, service organizations, and politicians rolled past, candy was being tossed. I watched children snapping up candy like selfish little urchins. With plastic bags in hand, I hear children shouting, yes shouting,

“Gimme, gimme! Candy, candy!”

I glanced around. I see no parents, no adult supervision. I’m disappointed. When did our society become so greedy? When and why did we pass this disgusting characteristic to our younger generation? Oh, I think it happened in the garden of Eden. Yes, Adam and Eve just had to have that which was forbidden. I can’t say I hadn’t noticed our society's greed prior to this candy-grabbing episode. Remember the Cabbage Patch doll faze? It was the newest and greatest gift to give our children. And less than two years ago, very early in the morning lines formed around the block. People were waiting for the opportunity to purchase a new telephone. One had to have that phone to be “with it” or whatever the current phrase is that means “up-to-date.” Big business fuels our greed as well. When the largest computer company releases a new upgrade, it is like a feeding frenzy. The software is snapped up before it hits the ground.

I really don’t enjoy shopping. When I do go shopping, I don’t want to be bumped and shoved. Obviously, I avoid the day after Thanksgiving. The bargains offered to the first one hundred or so shoppers often cause a stampede. People rush through the store to be the first to get the hugely discounted treasures. Elbows are swinging, people are pushing each other, and sometimes fists are flying. The holiday shopping season is off with a big bang and “the shoppers rush home with their treasures!”

Am I being judgmental? Perhaps, but I wonder what God must think of our behavior as we snap up this or that for our own pleasure. Let’s face it! We snap up those items so we can bring happiness to our children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews. Their presumed happiness brings joy to us as well, doesn’t it?

It is interesting, isn’t it? We are quick to condemn others for their immorality. The prophets reminded the people of God of God’s love and provision. However, Ezekiel was instructed by God to reprimand the people. God told him to say, “'Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.” Ezekiel continued to reprimand God’s people for their “detestable” activity. But I’d like to focus on “they did not help the poor and needy.”

I wonder what God thinks of us as we snap up the newest and best gadgets or trendy clothes. Would our loving God describe us as “arrogant, overfed, and unconcerned?” Would our God who sacrificed so much say, “they did not help the poor and the needy?” The parable in Matthew 25:37-40 says, “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

Pray that we can turn from our greed and give in Jesus’ name.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Beckie Stewart
09/11/08
Great reminder as to what really is important in life...and it's certainly NOT the things we possess. Thanks for this.
Judith Gayle Smith-Owens Vitouswykegardinerclark
09/11/08
One word: EXQUISITE!
Marlene Austin
09/12/08
"...arrogant, overfed, and unconcerned" - how appropriate when applied to today's majority. Important message. Nice devotional. :)
Dee Yoder
09/12/08
I'm thankful that, though we have a materialistic society-all over the earth to deal with, the U.S. has a reputation of being givers to those around the world who need help. If we didn't have that reputation, no one would expect help from us during days of crisis; the fact that we're nearly always the first to arrive on the scene to offer help is evidence that we do care. I think most of that caring attitude is because of our early founder's belief in a God Who is involved with His world.