By Joe Slater
In 1978 Waylon Jennings had a hit song about the obscure
central Texas town of Luckenbach (current population 13). The opening line of
the song was: “The only two things in life that make it worth livin’ . . .”
Then it proceeded to name those two things. The first was well-tuned guitars
(or, to quote the song, “guitars that’s tuned good”). The second I will omit
for reasons that are obvious to those familiar with the song.
As fine as well-tuned guitars might be, I submit the song’s
writer had no idea what brings real value to life! However, I should credit him
with at least realizing that happiness doesn’t result from great riches. One of
the lines suggested to his wife that they sell her diamond rings, buy some boots
and faded jeans, and go away. Another mentioned the failure of their big house
with a four-car garage to bring contentment.
Jesus warned, “Take heed and beware of all covetousness, for
one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke
12:15). To illustrate His point, He told the parable of the rich fool (vv.
16-21). That man had so much wealth stored away that he had to build larger
facilities to store the current harvest! Does that sound like a problem you’d
like to have? If so, think again! The rich fool’s focus on himself brought him
nothing but condemnation.
“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great
treasure with trouble” (Proverbs 15:16). The next verse follows up: “Better is
a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred.”
Fear of the Lord and love: Those aren’t the only two things
in life that make it worth living, but I’ll put them up against the two in the
country song any day!
- Joe Slater serves as minister of the Church of
Christ in Justin, TX. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com
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