Ecclesiastes 2:20-23 Imagine No Possessions
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached a sermon titled, the three evils of society, which he said were racism, militarism, and materialism. Racism means to hate anyone of another race, militarism is a nation that funds its offensive forces, more than teaching equal rights and good morals. Materialism is the chasing of unnecessary treasures rather than essential needs, like food, clothes, and a home. Most religions and philosophies are totally against materialism. Religions of the far east, teach words like nirvana, meaning seek a simple life, or suffer the constant desire for material items. The more possessions a person desire, the more they labor to gain what they genuinely want. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. teaches that inventions in technology should make life easier but seem to only cause more turmoil. For example, each year, Apple will release a new iPhone model. So, each year loyal Apple customers will work more hours, save more money, and wait in line to buy a new model. My brother in Christ, Gary Moyer, a pastor, has been using the same iPhone. He has had it since 2015, and he is tranquil with it. During Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s era, John Lennon of the Beatles was a millionaire rock musician, but against being materialistic. John Lennon was incredibly talented and clever. In 1966, in an interview, Lennon made the remark, the Beatles were more popular than Jesus Christ. But the remark only upset those the most, that felt insulted by it, because it was the truth. Even in modern times, famous film and music idols are more popular than Jesus Christ’s words. When the Beatles broke up and the band members began a solo career, John Lennon and Paul McCarthy were the most successful. John Lennon wrote the song titled “Imagine” and it was about the dream Lennon was hoping for. The song is incredibly beautiful and popular, but a utopia for atheists who wants peace without the Lord, the Prince of Peace. Imagine no heaven above us or hell below us. It is easy if you try. Imagine no religion and imagine no possession. I wonder if you can. Even an atheist like John Lennon knew people embrace their possession more than their religious beliefs. celebrities recorded a video with “Imagine’ using Lennon’s song, to lift the depressed spirit, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They were using their idol-like celebrity statues, to say, have peace of mind, relax, stay home and be healthy, and the movie stars you enjoy on the big screen will return when the pandemic is over. Dear brothers and sisters, a child of God, does not need celebrities who refuse God’s existence to lift their spirits. The only people whose spirits will be lifted, by celebrities, and by an antichrist song, are those who idolize them. Some celebrities do not believe in God because their wealth is their god. They have the material items, their fans desire and want, and if they lost it like Jobe lost his possession, they might harm themselves, like celebrities that lose fame who turn to drugs or commit suicide. That is why, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. says, materialism is a horrible sin, which crushes society. We may not have a golden calf, like ancient Israel, but empty and meaningless, worldly items, can make a person a slave to their possessions. Ask yourself, my brothers, and sisters, what and where is your prosperity? Is it in God, unmeasurable grace, and mercy, is it the unfailing love He gives you and me? If that is not enough, you are wearing the mark of the beast already. Children of God, give thanks to Him, for the riches that await you in the kingdom of heaven, where no earthly treasure can even come close to its glory. God bless you all, Jesus loves you, in a very wealthy way, and so do I. His bondservant, Samuel J Head.
