The Handwriting on the Wall

 

  One night I woke up from a dream. In this dream I was facing a wall. From a distance I could see that this wall stood at 3,796,742 square miles and 9,833,520 kilometers. The sun shined on the wall helping me to see its vastness. For a minute I thought that my eyes were playing with me. But they weren't. All at once, I saw western piers that were sitting off the Pacific Ocean. Deserts that sit in the same state as casinos. A windy city that is known for the cloud gate that sits in the middle of it. A state where every beach has a name. A statue that was given to the U.S. as a gift from France that sits on the Hudson River. Our country's landscape is one to behold and cherish. However, all I see is states and cities that are full of strife and division. As fellow citizens we must realize that most of the issues that we fight over are not carnal but spiritual.   

  Covetousness is the desire of material possessions, or the desire to have what belongs to someone else. Exodus 20:17 (NIV) reads, "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Living in this hour of instant gratification we tend to want "things" now. When I say "things" I mean the things that everybody else has. These things are 9 out of 10 materials. Now, I am not against people making money and having nice things. But what I am against is the worship of material items that are lifeless. In the 21st century the United States has become the world's number one consumer. We buy things we cannot afford to impress people we barley know as we feel empty inside. This cycle is like the gift that keeps on giving. By any means it must be stopped.     

  Gluttony is the act of eating or drinking excessively. Proverbs 23:20-21 (NIV) reads, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." The United States does not have a lack of food but too much of it. Well off people can shop at Whole Foods every pay day. Working class people live in food deserts, having McDonald's and Burger King as cheaper options. Homeless people have a better chance at filling their stomachs at least twice a week. Food is for the nourishment of our minds and bodies. It is like having a garden in your backyard. Just because you see abundance does not mean you loss control over yourself.      

  Self-indulgence is to be a lover of oneself. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV) reads, "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." Alternative media and cell phones prove this scripture to be correct. Apps and streaming services have aided us in forming our own universes and worlds where only our truths matter. Man has always had a habit of living inside his own head. Unbeknownst to him he will fall short every time.     

  Pride is a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired. James 4:6 (NIV) reads, "But he gives us more grace. That is why scripture says: God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." As humanity everything that we possess whether it be materials, qualities, or talents they belong to God. We need not to belittle or look down on anyone. Time waits on no one and the world is not always the kindest. Pride puffs up in more ways than one. Pride also blinds us from one simple reality: that all of us are going to need help from someone in due time. Pride has its root in our fallen nature. After Adam and Eve ate the fruit mankind has always wanted to be bigger than himself. Remembering who has our lives in His hands will keep us steady and humble.  

  The sins I have listed are plagues that are quickly destroying us. It is these same sins that plague me. Wanting the things that other people have is still something I battle with. Overeating during times of abundance has been a bad habit since my childhood. Loving myself above important responsibilities is one of my major flaws. Being proud of my own achievements and accomplishments often puffs me up. By the end of each day, I cast my sins to the throne of grace. The dust of the earth and a sheet of clay is all that I am.