Positions and Possessions

The title of this piece came about as a result of the message I listened to in church a few months ago. Pastor pointed out how many in our society have become obsessed with either position (i.e. job title) held in work or the type and amount of possessions amassed.

Around the same time, I saw images on CNN and elsewhere of the wildfires that have been going on in Southern California. It really got me to reflect on the subject even more.

Furthermore, on the subject of position, I personally know a couple of people whose jobs are in jeopardy due to company cutbacks.

Mulling over these thoughts really causes one to reflect on what's really important in life. Anyone's position in the workforce as well as accumulated possessions can be taken away, usually when it's least expected.

I've also learned that there's no such thing as a safe and secure job. That may have been the case some years ago; my grandfather worked for the same company for most of his working life (about 40 years). No longer, though. If one can last with any one company for half that time today, it's a pleasant surprise. And EVERYONE is expendable, from the highest executives to the rank-and-file peons.

As far as possessions go....well, look what happened in California. Folks out there who worked very hard to accumulate what they have watch as it goes up in flames within minutes. And such was the case on the Gulf Coast when Katrina hit a couple of years ago. Natural disasters do not discriminate, either; rich and poor are both affected.

We do tend to become blinded by both position and possessions and how they affect social status. But when those are taken away, the blinders come off and we slowly start to recognize the more important things in life. Like what, for instance? Well, the fact that you continue to draw breath and have a beating heart is cause for gratitude. Or how about family? Some families in California that lost their homes will cling to each other; the home may be gone but they're together and safe.

So....after all that being said, am I suggesting that it's wrong to strive for a higher position in the workplace or to have nice things? Not at all. There is nothing wrong with any of that in general. But when someone uses a career position or nice possessions as their only source of identity and self-worth, then we realize a society based on superficiality rather than on heart and character. And what's really sad is that others will follow like lemmings to an ocean cliff.