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The headline on the full-page ad for luxury properties ranging from $3-5 million to well over $20 million was simple:

For those seeking an exceptional life

Really? If I’m seeking an exceptional life, I can find it by buying one (or more!) of these properties? The obvious question is: if these dream homes really fulfilled their promise of an exceptional life, why are the owners selling?

There is a lovely property right in our area, in fact, I pass it when I take my granddaughter to school after her weekly overnight. It was ranked #2 in Wall Street Journal’s featured homes in 2018. The owners went on and on about how wonderful it is and how much they enjoyed living there. But they have moved to Wyoming and the property is for sale. Apparently, it didn’t quite satisfy, so on to the next one.

I’ve written before, I get no “points” for not buying a house I can’t afford anyway or for criticizing those who can afford to buy one. I am responsible to use the money God has given me wisely.

I am also responsible to find meaning and purpose, “the exceptional life,” but I won’t find it in my house or other possessions.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1.9 – 11, ESV)

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. (Philippians 1.27, ESV)

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. (Philippians 3.12 – 15, MSG)

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. (Revelation 3.17, 18, NIV)