Black Friday

– Ponderings:

Are any of you “Black Friday” shoppers? If so, as I type this you’re probably caught up in the frenzy as I type these words. Years ago, I would get caught up in the idea of Black Friday, but I detested the reality. I loved the thought of a great deal (sometimes even on an item I really wanted), but I hated the lines, standing in the cold, the pushing and shoving once the doors opened, searching for the elusive item, and then standing in line again to pay. Is anything worth that? (Yes, I know some of you find it fun).

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

My “pondering” this morning isn’t intended to throw cold water on your Black Friday experience. But it is a day when the world urges us to place value on material possessions and to pursue them with a frenzy. Perhaps, though, we might also look at it as an opportunity to reflect on what we truly treasure.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:21 that our hearts follow our treasures. If we spend all our energy and focus chasing material things, our hearts will be tied to what doesn’t last. Instead, Jesus invites us to invest in eternal treasures—acts of love, kindness, generosity, and our relationship with God.

Imagine if we pursued Christ with the same fervor we pursue discounts. What if we looked at coming to church as exciting as the best deal possible? After all, God offers the greatest deal of all: eternal life, freely given through Jesus. We didn’t earn it, and we can’t buy it. It’s a gift, available to everyone willing to receive it. Are we building our lives on what truly matters?

If you enjoy Black Friday deals, have fun today! Get out there and go crazy! If you’re like me, have a great day at home staying away from the craziness. But at the end of the day, let’s remember what really matters and live for those things.

Prayer: Lord, in a world that pulls me toward meaningless things, help me to keep my eyes on you. Teach me to treasure what is eternal and to live generously, reflecting your love. Help me to pursue you above all else. Amen.