The Priority In Life

Dr. Thamsing Lamkang *

"He is no fool to give what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose" The statement is so meaningful, powerful and transforming, and that of values. In this fast-changing world everything seems moving so fast, no time to realize the errors to correct it! We can simply say that 'the love of money' could be the reason to effects the normal lives of people and society.

The recently held state election has the effect to its own people and state. Politics is good for many reasons but when the politicians try to muscle their power through money, it destroys. It is evident, nowhere is no secret that destroys the peaceful co-existence of the people living together as one-humanity. In spite of churches campaigned for free and fair election, it seems nothing changes, rather more compelling. But the church shouldn't lose heart and continue its stirs till achieved. It took about 30 years for Mizoram Christian state to succeed free and fair election campaign. Since then, everything seems normal and peaceful as Christian state in secular India.

Money is being used to sell and buy the power, and it becomes more than god for many. They're capable to rule and destroy the dreams of common people, simply by making some arbitrary decisions! There exists a conflict of interest between materialism and any other cause, including people's live. Satan uses material things to lord it over man. Thus, greediness owns everything, showing the world that he is rich and powerful, capable to rule and do anything.

The society and its people are becoming more selfish and greed for money, motivated in craving more than others; it's a big 'SIN'. Being jealous not wanting to settle for anything below their level. And it has to do with money and political power. The wrong mind-sets to have more than others, I don't care what happens to others! The Election could be a good time to examine the power of money in politics, and that hampered the peaceful coexistence of people living together in peace and harmony.

Men's reaction seems to oppose anything that does not promote money and power. Basically the society in Northeast India is grounded in this; the interplay between money, politics and power. It is the reason why those who have more financial assets are able to dominate. And the powerful people are those with money. It is, what's more, a philosophy of life, the philosophy of material success, of power and often of political deceit. But wise people know the limit of being rich and powerful, yet, they can't ignore, because God is not their priority in life!

The seriousness of the matter is that these 'enemies' can rob your spiritual reward. Always remember that if you give into the pressure, if you allow them to govern your lives. They are real enemies which infiltrate your lives without you realizing it. They make you think in the same way as the rest of the society; you feel obliged to have the same motivating force, and give importance to the same things. You then stray from your own objectives, and so you have your prize taken away, which is in God. In the 'Olympic Games of our spiritual life', money and power stops you from participating and winning the most important prize, the crown of 'Eternal Life'.

Unfortunately, it's not only these external enemies that you are concerned with. Equally dangerous are the enemies inside your lives. Yes, although it seems hard to believe, your own sin is your worst enemy. It shows itself in hundreds of different ways, egoism, pride, envy, jealousy, giving into temptation… and the worst of it is that you are often unaware of what is happening and taking place around you because of your ungodly thoughts and negativism in your decision makings.

Millions of people base their hopes on material possessions which have no future, others grasp at religions which make no sense, and many others live in fear for what could happen next. There are men and women who are cheated by those who 'buy and sell the truth', people who are not concerned about their final destiny. Many go to hell by way of false teaching, sects and the so-called 'enlightened ones'- many people whose future is eternal condemnation.

We should be ready, ready to do battle against the enemy that wants us to disqualify your receiving the crown of life, whether it is from outside or within. We have the right to work for the eternal crown; no one should take it from you or allow others to lose that crown, because it is Everlasting. Don't let others walk on your shoes. Don't strike and sin for the sake of retaliation but be rather kind and gentle for Christ sake and you'll be rewarded with 'the crown that'll last forever'. God has promised us the victory in these kinds of situation.

What you do on earth determines your reward in heaven! On the day you die, what will you take with you? You may have all the money in the world-but it'll all stay here. You may have all the admirers in the world-but they'll stay here. You may enjoy the best social position that you know, but when you die, you won't take that position with you. You may have the most beautiful houses, material possessions, land, and cars-but will all stay here. You may have everything necessary to live the good life-but one day you'll have nothing. You'll leave everything behind.

One of the greatest moral stories being told was Alexander the Great Emperor. When he was on his dying bed he was asked for his last dying wish. He told his ministers; let both of my hands be put outside the coffin box. His minister asked him my lord, if your people question me, what does it means to keep the Emperor's hand outside the coffin. The Emperor said, "Let the world knows that, even the Greatest Emperor like me dies without taking a single penny, but an empty handed."

So that my people will not pile up wealth, instead use their wealth for the welfare of others, especially to comfort the poor and needy. Can we learn something out of it? If you're believer don't let the love of money take away your Eternal Crown. The important thing about money is 'whether it'll save your life or it'll disqualify you'.

One very important truth is that the Government funds are regarded as God's money; you're only entrusted to manage and deliver for the purpose to meet. How you handle the money and power that you're entrusted with, it will determine your eternal life and destiny someday!

The last but not the least, the Bible says, "Do not let anyone…disqualify you from the prize".