Richard Hollerman

Recently, I was perusing things and thought of all of the people I know. I was thinking of their activities and relationships.  Some are right and others are wrong. Some are true and others are false. Some are following the path of God and others are following the path of the enemy. Why are there so many people and why so many paths? Why are there so many ways to live?

We wonder why . . . just why? Why do men fail to really love their wives and choose to follow their own way? Why do they rather want to watch TV, or go to ball games, or attend sports car races, or work on the computer, or why would they rather do yard work? And women, why would they plaster their faces with make-up, or go to lavish banquets, or watch cooking instructions on TV, or dress in elaborate clothes?

Why would people do all kinds of non-family things and instead find their delight in worldly attractions—rather than the family? Why is it that men would rather find fulfillment in their jobs, or seek to make a name for themselves, or find delight in the attractions of the world around them? And why is it that women may seek to “climb” the corporate ladder and find gratification in schooling, in achieving on the job, and such things while they allow their dear children to languish without parents at home?

And we wonder why children are left to find joy in sports (both boys and girls), find contentment in the TV, or fend for themselves in worldly attractions, or delight in computer games? And why might it be that they would rather be sent to school, or find blessedness in athletics, or find ways to “best” others in such pursuits, or seek to find happiness in “pets” of all kinds (such as dogs, cats, birds, and other wildlife)? And we wonder why it is that worldly literature holds such an attraction, or why it is that “grades” are so important, or that winning trophies are that important. Why is this?

When it comes to the relationship of males and females, we might say boyfriends and girlfriends (although this would have certain connotations that are not good). Instead of a young man and young woman seeking a relationship with each other, it is better for them to seek God and His will and what pleases Him rather than each other. A boy and girl (if these are terms now in use) should seek the things above and God will provide a person of the opposite sex in His own time.

Surely this is something that the believing community and the parents can help with at the same time without the help of a wicked society. (Entertainers, sports personalities, friends, and even family may not do.) Whether one should seek this companionship at age 12 to 14 (as in the past), or 16 to 18 as at the present, or later (such as age 25 or 26 as is at present), we don’t know, but God knows and we must seek His will at all times!

Then we think of some adults around us. It may be that these people are near to us or far away. Why is that wives are sent to work in secular jobs rather than find fulfillment in home activities, or that they are content with one or two children (or none!) rather than many of them? And why is it that the men would rather find fulfillment in working long hours, and in driving long distances, and in spending their hard-earned cash in car repairs, or in buying and maintaining high-end cars, rather than in seeing contentment with what they now have, making do with less than perfect wares, or living in a smaller house, or in find a less prestigious place, or finding contentment in earthly matters?

And we wonder additionally why it is that the matters of the kingdom are so seldom a part of life? We know that seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness are to be our priorities but they so seldom come to mind and surely don’t come to heart! Do people really study the Scriptures for themselves, pursue righteousness with all of their heart, or do they bless and help one another as they have opportunity? Do they walk in God’s ways and do His will rather than their own will? Do they seek understanding and work to help others to find fulfillment in the things of God rather than seeking the things that are on earth?

We wonder and continue to wonder? What can we do about this and do what we can to change it? After all, all of the people I know and all others will one day pass away and their lives will come to nothingness. What are we doing now to change this and to prepare for the future—the eternal future?