Last week, I found myself drawn into the 1996 film That Thing You Do! From a merely sociology standpoint, each character changes as this little-known band from Erie, Pennsylvania hits it big in Hollywood. As the Wonders hit song That Thing You Do quickly moves up the charts, fame and fortune cloud the judgement of two band members. Following this movie, I thought to myself, how will fame and or fortune change me?
Let your [a]character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] [b]Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor[c]give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [d][I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor[e]let [you] down ([f]relax My hold on you)! [[g]Assuredly not!] – Hebrews 13:5
When the Wonders Band are discovered by Mr. White, Guy Patterson, the drummer, played by Tom Everett Scott is the first to hear about the offered contract. Instead of rushing to make a decision, he tells Mr. White played by Tom Hanks that he’ll have to talk to everyone in the band first. Although the bass player had already committed to joining the military at the end of the summer, the other 3 band members agree to sign. However, as fame changed their lives, Lenny drives to Las Vegas to get married and Jimmy quits when he isn’t allowed to record his own music first.
I write to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be conscious of, and understand) Him Who [has existed] from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and vigorous, and the Word of God is [always] abiding in you (in your hearts), and you have been victorious over the wicked one. 15 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. 17 And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever, 1 John 2:14-17.
Whenever your local state lottery moves beyond $100 million for the winner, radio talk shows discuss how winning this much money at once would change your life. Regardless of what you say now, once you and your family are set for life financially, people change. This may happen over a period of time, a year or two, as money becomes a new god. One of Jesus’ disciples warns first century Christians in the passage above about how and why people change. May today’s blog serve as a foundational piece to help keep your priorities in order if blessed by riches, Matthew 6:33-34.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 