Articles
When Blessings Become Burdens
Some years ago several of us took an expedition to the bike trails at Bonham State Park. The weather was good, but the trails were muddy. Most of the riders had no particular difficulty. But my front and rear fenders became so clogged with mud and leaves that I could hardly move.
I decided to carry my bike on my shoulders. That got tiring in a hurry, so I dragged it on the ground behind me. That was no fun either!
Bicycles are supposed to get you around with greater ease. Mine, however, became a burden. I would have been better off without it. A stroll through the woods would have been much more pleasant.
Is it possible that some things we thought would make life easier turned out to make it much more difficult? Would we really be better off if we became immensely wealthy? Or would our wealth become a burden?
While there are definite advantages in having some of the things that money can buy, here are a few of the possible drawbacks:
1) We must find a place to put our extra acquisitions.
2) They must be maintained. .
3) We may feel the need for locks, alarms, and other theft protection.
4) We may worry about loss through fire, disaster, etc. Instead of our possessions serving us, we may end up serving them. This wasn't quite what we had in mind!
Jesus said,"... not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions" (Luke 12:15 NASB).
"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:20-21).
A much better treasure awaits those who live by Jesus' words. Do we have the courage to put our trust in His promises?
