In 1982 I was a budding theology student with a penchant for books. My library was small, my dreams were big, and I was impulsive. When a salesman for Encyclopedia Britannica showed up at our door I was the perfect sucker. Ah…customer. The salesman touted the beauty and benefits of the Encyclopedia Britannica: thirty volumes, the knowledge of the world at my fingertips, bound in imitation leather and gold stamped. I took his baited hook like a hungry fish. I rationalized what my wallet refused: “I would peruse the pages in my spare time. I would expand my knowledge of the world. I would educate our children.” That was a joke. We had two toddlers! But I was convinced—until I bought the books. Then came Buyer’s Remorse.
Buyer’s Remorse is the little voice that whispers, “You sure blew it this time.” It is the certainty that the satisfaction gained was not worth the price paid. Solomon knew the feeling! He had invested heavily in luxury, status, pleasure, and self-fulfillment. At the end of his shopping spree, however, the satisfaction gained wasn’t worth the price he paid. Ecclesiastes is this wise man’s thoughts on a lifetime of Buyer’s Remorse.
Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and no longer enjoy living. Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is the duty of every person. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. (Ecclesiastes 12:1,6,13-14 NLT)
To experience Buyer’s Remorse after an expensive purchase is bad; to come to the end of a life and say, “What have I done?” is tragic! Solomon encourages us to make sure we are investing in the one thing that always brings satisfaction: our relationship with God.
FOCAL POINT: Here are some suggestions for building your relationship with God today: 1) Focus on his greatness until He looms larger than any task, any challenge, and any opportunity you face; 2) Honor him with every effort and in every decision; 3) Determine to reflect on one of his promises all day long; 4) Ask for his help to avoid Buyer’s Remorse.
Copyright © 2010 Tommy Kiedis