.png)
Yesterday, I had to ask my twenty-something daughter what the deal is with this Taylor Swift phenomenon happening across the country, because several people on my social media feed are either going, have gone, or are trying to get tickets to attend one of her massive concerts.
The pictures of the crowds attending these things are utterly astounding. Thousands of groupies gathered in one area to watch this one non-teenager parade around on stage and sing about getting revenge on her ex-boyfriend. Call me old-fashioned, but I don't get it.
So I began to think about what gets us excited these days. For some like these teeny boppers and their middle-aged moms, a night out at a concert shaking their girl power is what gets their blood pumping.
For others, it's a ball game at the stadium; the sights, sounds, and smells of testosterone on a dirt mound or in a dugout.
Or, for the more adventurous, it's the thrill of a death-defying activity where the possibility of at least losing a limb makes it all the more exciting.
But what if we put those things aside for a moment and simply sat still before the Lord? Would we sense the same internal excitement? Would the rush of adrenaline push us to want more or would we feel a let down...you know, that dull ache of boredom?
I have to ask, would we pay $200 to attend a church service, or be willing to stand the entire time due to the huge crowds? Honestly, I doubt it.
As I think about all the things that vie for our attention, I wonder how Jesus feels about our shallowness; about our love to be entertained and our lack of desire to sit amazed at His feet?
You know, it was Judas who chided Mary for "wasting" precious perfume instead of selling it for more money for the treasure box. (John 12:3-6)
Mary had it right, though. She took her worldly treasure and anointed her Savior. Instead of treasuring it, she used it to bless the Lord. What if we did the same? What if we took the money and time we spend on worldly pleasures, and blessed Jesus by blessing others?
These are just some thoughts I've been having. I'm definitely not pointing fingers since I'm just as guilty. I love my lattes and vacations and my dinners out. What if, however, I took more of those resources and used them to help someone else? Or what if I spent more time on my knees than on my phone? Hmm. Those are difficult questions.
Let me know what you think? Have we taken entertainment--something that is fun and relatively harmless--and made it an idol?
Are we spending too much money and time and emphasis on temporary and somewhat unimportant things, or is it okay to have those outlets? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Blessings, Kristi