Finally, the news came out; the death of Anna
Nicole Smith was ruled as an accidental drug overdose, according
to CNN. It was staggering to me as I listened to the number of
pills, herbs, drugs, and supplements she reportedly had been taking.
Much of the nine "medications" she was said to have
ingested included "human growth" hormones and, ironically,
"longevity drugs." There are so many things wrong with
this continuing saga.
Not that it is any surprise, but there was no
mention of Christ in this person's life. That has to be the saddest
element of this story. She had lost her son and had a new child
out of wedlock. This only adds to the heartbreak and is a tragic
commentary on much of today's society. I am reminded of the condition
of the Gentiles in times past, described in Ephesians 2:12, "That
at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the
commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants
of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:"
A sad condition, indeed!
For many, life is consumed with the tangible things
we can gain and the notoriety that often comes with them. A good
name is shunned because a "bad" name is more lucrative.
The "bad boy" and "bad girl" image is what
many seek to achieve. However, Proverbs 22:1 says, "A good
name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor
rather than silver and gold." The wealthy, beautiful, and
popular seem to be lovingly favored by the masses, but only so
far as the wealth and beauty endure. When they wane, so does the
popularity. Thus, some always strive for a way to insure they
remain wealthy and appealing.
They long to "love life and see good days"
(1 Peter 3:10); but their approach is misguided, and their lives
are terribly mismanaged. In verse 11 of the above text, Peter
says to "eschew (KJV)" or "turn away from (ASV)"
evil. "What is evil about wanting to be wealthy and beautiful?"
you ask. When anything in one's life has place over Christ, it
is evil! Paul wrote, in Colossians 1:18, "And he is the head
of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from
the dead that in all things he might have the preeminence."
He, Christ, is to have first place (preeminence) in our lives.
We do not need to be wealthy. We do not need to be popular with
man. In fact, if we preach and teach the truth, chances are we
are not very popular with some men. The "gospel of health,
wealth, and prosperity" so prevalent today is damning souls
by the thousands. Obviously, a lack of attention to God and His
Word, combined with too much attention to self and wants, is taking
its toll.
Each one must maintain the attitude of John the
Immerser regarding Christ: "He must increase, but I must
decrease" (John 3:30). Each one needs to heed the words of
Jesus Christ: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness ..." Matthew 6:33. Solomon's wise counsel needs
to ring clearer now than perhaps ever before, "Fear (reverence)
God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of
man ." Ecclesiastes 12:13. May we value the Godhead and our
souls' relationship with Him. -70 Gale Ave., Newport, OH 45768.
740-473-2528 jtakeith@aol.com