Chasing After the Trendy Things

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.” (Isaiah 55:1-3 NIV)

Apple announced this week the coming release of the i-Phone X into the marketplace, and the question immediately was raised: Will people pay $1000 for a smartphone? Apple seems confident they will and what they hope to do is create a buzz about this phone, as it has done with every one of its phones since the original, so people will jump on the bandwagon and plop down their 10 “Benjamins” to own one.

That’s how it works in the marketplace: Get enough people’s attention to a product, convince them it’s the next hot thing, and watch as others quickly follow in order to be “in” and trendy.  The sellers don’t want people to ask if they really need it, just follow the crowd and buy it! The sad thing is many people’s lives consist of this chasing after what is the “in” thing without a lot of thought about the long-term consequences. 

Isaiah paints a picture of a middle-eastern market where vendors are competing for the attention of buyers.  They are yelling and reaching out to lead people back to their stalls, offering “a very good price” for their wares. If you have ever been to one of these markets (there are similar ones in Africa as well), then you know how chaotic they can be. And in Isaiah’s market, there is one vender selling something very different and is trying to be heard.  It is the Lord.  He is selling something that is not “hot” or trendy, but rather steadfast and reliable.  It does not provide a temporary rush when you hand over your money, but rather pays out long-lasting dividends such as peace, contentment, and everlasting life. But so often He is drowned out by the other vendors and His wares fail to draw much attention because they have to compete with more flashy and interesting products. 

Think about our marketplace today.  People are selling trendy things such as smartphones, apps, games, diets and food, clothing, etc. All tend to drown out the voice of the Lord and what He is offering us. Our fallen natures lead us to be attracted to the “shiniest” and most exciting things. And they can provide temporary satisfaction, but they have a short shelf life, which is the lifeblood of the retail business world. “Get something new; it will give you greater satisfaction!” Until it won’t any longer.

Today, what are the trendy things that are grabbing your attention, but distracting you from what the Lord is offering? Don’t be like the masses and spend your life chasing after the latest and most trendy things. The satisfaction they offer is very short-lived and a lifetime of pursuing them will leave you ultimately empty and disappointed. Only the Lord can satisfy your deepest needs. You will never regret wading past the crowds and ignoring the screaming vendors to get to the One who offers the best there is and ever will be.

© Jim Musser 2017