November 11, 2024 Devo

There was a pop song back in the ‘70s that had absolutely haunting lyrics. The song was “Cat’s in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin. The essence of the song was about a man who had a son born, but he was too busy with work to spend time with him. The son kept asking his father when he was coming home, but the father kept saying, “I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then. You know we’ll have a good time then.” But of course, that time never comes. Finally, when the father retires and actually makes time for the son, the son is too busy for his father. The father gets back in his old age the same neglect he gave to the son.
The meaning behind the song is that there are some things in life too important to put off. There are some “treasures” that are of significantly more value than what the wealth of this world can offer. Our families, our children, our closest relationships—these are truly more precious than fancier cars, bigger homes, and nicer clothes.
Jesus reminds us in our questions today that our spiritual life fits into that same category. “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” As I’m writing this, I’m looking at the wall across the room. Our lives are like a tiny speck on that wall. The years we get on this earth are nothing compared to eternity. I’ve never met a single person who, at the end of their life, said, “I sure wish I would have spent more time at the office.” Or, “I feel so bad that I didn’t make more money or have nicer stuff.” But I’ve talked to many along the way who wish they would’ve spent more time with their families and given more of their lives to God.
Wherever you are on your journey, make sure you’re giving yourself to the stuff that matters. Your family is more important than your next promotion. And your soul is more important than any of the “stuff” this world offers. If you’ve been putting off the important stuff in life, it’s time to reclaim it. What a shame it would be to be the man in Harry Chapin’s song whose son doesn’t have time for him because he never had time for his son. Even worse would be getting to the end of your life and meeting God and Him not knowing who you are. That’s God’s Word for you today.