Paper Gods

Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest

Colossians 3:1-11

Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears,  then you too will appear with him in glory. Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry.

With the home closing date fast approaching, I've entered packing mode.  As I box up personal items I'm getting rid of bulky furniture including my old computer desk, coffee table, and a heavy as heck couch with uncomfortable cushions.  I've learned a good lesson: Never buy "El Cheapo Crapola" furniture off the Internet that you have to put together.  It's a pain to assemble and later disassemble!

Packing is a huge bore of chore.  My living space is filled with cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and tape; an endless sea of paper products. Hey, at least I can listen to some cool tunes while I work, including Duran Duran's newest album "Paper Gods." My favorite rock band of my youth, I am never disappointed by their songs. I own every recording and have seen them live in concert about 4 times.  Just love the band!

The title song "Paper Gods" got me thinking about all of the stuff we consume.  We buy, use and abuse thinking such items will bring us everlasting joy and happiness.  But, when the newness wears off  we find ourselves bored with our purchases.  Like those old timey paper dolls our grandparents used to play with as kids, we cut them out and dress them up later to crumple them up and throw them in the trash.  Out with the old and in with the new.  Hopefully the next luxury car, the tummy tuck, and the expensive European vacation will makes us feel good.....

We want to always look our best in front of others; however, are we using objects to hide our feelings of hollowness, depression, insecurity, or misery? Something to ponder....

What are your paper gods? Are you bleeding from paper cuts because of poor decisions?  Do you find your life over-consumed by useless objects?

Throw out the paper gods and buy into Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior.  He never gets old. His teachings withstand anything society "thinks" we need for joy and eternal happiness.

I will close with a few lyrics from the title song Paper Gods   

Listen here:  https://youtu.be/gG3k7YJhf98

Oh, the paper Gods in the sky of gray
All the fools in town are ruling today, today

Bow to the paper Gods in a world that is paper thin,
Fools in town are ruling now
Bleeding from paper cuts, money for head shots
Fools leading (today)
Who needs them?!

Hey, you're gonna want it all the talking men declares
Go running to be first in line for what? Nobody cares!

Then next thing you must have find piece with matching bag
It's nothing to be glad about all sad when you forget about it
I'd rather racing or go run around the streets
The slaver in a sweatshop,
Putting trainers on your feet
I'm walking through the rain, oblivious to pain
To shelter from the blame without a reason to complain about it
Oh oh oh, don't complain about it
Oh oh oh, don't complain about it
Oh oh oh, forget about it

-J.