Many people are familiar with the slogan: “The Best Things in Life Aren’t Things.” This world views material wealth as a sign of success and a pathway to happiness. Multitudes are drawn to the pursuit of the best this world has to offer. According to the Bible, the things that are prized and cherished most by the world aren’t the best things for God’s people.
Some pursue wealth. A man once interrupted Jesus and asked Him to help solve a dispute with his brother over their inheritance (Luke 12:13-21). Jesus refused to involve Himself in this squabble, but gave the man a much-needed warning. “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (v. 15, emphasis mine – HR). Life is not about how much we are worth or the size of our financial holdings. Solomon was able to spend more money on things than any of us. He concluded that such a pursuit was “vanity and grasping for the wind” (Eccl. 2:1-11). It was empty; it has no real substance or meaning – in the end it contributed nothing to his life or happiness.
Some pursue security. While some are financially comfortable, many others struggle to pay their bills. Living paycheck to paycheck gives them uncertainty and anxiety. Jesus says we are not to be consumed with these kinds of worries. “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? …But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:25, 33). We must support ourselves and our dependents (1 Tim. 5:8), but life is not defined by job security.
Some pursue higher education. Going to the right kind of school and getting the right kind of degree is extremely important to some people. The sacrifices and self-discipline necessary to achieve academic success are very commendable, but the pursuit of higher education has been the pathway of disbelief for some young Christians. Man was uniquely created for fellowship with God. Eternity has been placed within our hearts (Eccl. 3:11). When we leave God out of the equation, our lives are empty and without real purpose. Secular education must always be sought with a strong faith and a Biblical worldview.
Some pursue social standing. Living in the right neighborhood and belonging to the right organizations are important goals for some people. There is often a sense of pride that comes with ascending the social ladder. These shallow people can also experience a shattering defeat when circumstances bring them back down this ladder. The apostle Paul came to understand such standings were not the secret to life (Phil. 3:5-8). He also knew “how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:12-13).
Some pursue a life of service. This is commendable, for there is always a need to be of service to others. “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:14). The Lord taught that greatness in the kingdom is found in a willingness to serve others (Mark 10:43-44). However, if we are serving others in order to become great, we are missing the point.
Martha welcomed Jesus into her home (Luke 10:38-42). Her sister Mary sat to hear Jesus’ teaching while Martha was left to serve her guests alone. When she protested her sister’s negligence, the Lord replied, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (vs. 41-42). Service is important, but on some occasions, it is not the most important thing.
That which brings the most fulfillment and satisfaction to one’s life is having fellowship with God. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus proclaimed, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). This abundant life is not the promise of worldly riches, success, power, or prestige. It is reconciliation with God made possible through the atoning death of Jesus Christ (Col. 1:20-22). Such brings us into the spiritual state for which we were created. It allows us to experience and fulfill our purpose.
The best thing in life isn’t possessing objects, status, or experiences. It is fulfilling our purpose by enjoying fellowship with God.