The band Lynyrd Skynyrd and Henry David Thoreau walk into
a bar…
Sound like a far-fetched joke?
Perhaps, but the sentiments echoed in both Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” and Thoreau’s
“Walden” resonate the same chord. The Skynyrd hit, oddly enough, is
transcendental. Moreover, the two works underscore a fundamental truth. By
living simply, seeking a higher purpose, following your heart and finding
self-satisfaction we achieve more than any miser on a heap of gold.
The modern measure of success is
the antithesis of the comparable definition
as understood by someone who grasps the transcendental conceptualization of the
term. In addition, this modern concept is in complete contradiction to any
Biblical standard of success. We see a massive concordance of this in the
Bible.
Matthew 19:24 “And
again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a
needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
Mark 10:25 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for
a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
Luke 18:25 “For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's
eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
If one truly subscribes to the
doctrine of Christ, the principle motivating force in one’s life cannot be
monetary wealth. Rather, it has to be that greatest of forces—love. Yet all too often we mock and disparage those
people whose lives are not oriented toward and a product of riches. We all know
the stereotype of the simple country-folk: they toil at their labors, don’t get
too enraptured by “culture” and have primitive motives. The truth is that despite
their common fiscal struggles, these people often lead a life “closer to the
bone” that ultimately leads to purer motives and a closer relationship with
God.
Wealth is in the end a carnal
substitute for the Grace of God. It is intended to replace the dependence that
we have on the Creator and to ensure security in an insecure world. It’s a fool’s
bet, for no amount of money can ever hedge against the uncertainties in this
life—and no amount can substitute for the closeness to Christ that a life of
servitude can yield. The person who
stakes it all on riches can only expect to reap sorrow in the end. Why then
should we not give and love freely? Why should we disdain those who lead lives
that are simpler than our own? I know of no reason.
In the hustle and the bustle of
our helter-skelter lives we miss the minutiae of the wonders that surround us.
Who can afford to stop to give thanks for an unexpected summer shower when our
society has declared that time is money? No one. Who can reject the opportunity
to advance their well-paying career instead of spending time with loved ones
when our society has declared that money is power? No one. The socio-cultural
norms that exist around us are not neutral guidelines, but are in actuality
burdensome shackles that keep us from achieving our life’s purpose—to love and
serve God. This epiphany is unbeknownst to most. Why should we guard this
secret? I dare not. I love my companions far too dearly to such. I say let us
cast off the shackles of greed; let us embrace a life centered on a higher
purpose. Love God, love people and realize that wealth is no substitute for
Grace!
