The Wheel of God

Luke:12:33 "...provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

In the religion of consumerism, modern culture teaches that "we are what we have" - that human worth is simply one's net worth. This objectification negates the soul-aspect of human beings and creates a black hole of meaninglessness, self-centeredness and entitlement. To whatever extent we believe in the modern credo, we are likely to experience a steady erosion of our soul-life. There is no "i" in soul, only "us". Modern secular culture emphasizes "i" above all else. Individual life, individual well-being and individual wealth are celebrated and encouraged. Of course, this culture of all things "i" fits neatly with excessive consumerism. Being concerned, first and foremost, about our individual state and appearance fosters a great deal of attention and expenditure on our personal desires, needs, preferences, etc... Ironically, as we inflate our sense of "i-ness", the soul withers. Jesus de-emphasizes the importance of individual well-being for communal health. He speaks of individual human life as a body part, vital and important in its own right but nothing if disconnected from the whole. After all, what is a finger worth if it is severed from a body? Yet when connected to a functioning living being, it is a magnificent part that greatly enhances the overall experience and possibilities for that organism. This is how Jesus teaches us to think about our personal lives - as a cog in a great wheel. The purpose and function of the individual cog and thus its true identity can only be understood when in service to the entirety of the wheel. Individual happiness and health or personal wealth are hollow experiences if the community around us is ailing. Our individual lives matter and have purpose only in relation to the entire body that is humanity.

“Help us Lord to rediscover our true identities. Help us to define our lives in the ways You have instructed that we may regain our mental and emotional health: First and foremost in our love and devotion to You; Secondly, as love and devotion to neighbor; Third, as love and forgiveness for our enemies. Praise Your name, Lord Jesus Christ.”