Greed for M___ (Fill in the blank)

I write this one with no research, so perhaps this isn't a new thought, but it's certainly new for me.

It struck me today that I have, for most of my life, been a slave to greed. Greed for m___.

For what? Not money. (Nor mammon, in case you were thinking this was a trick question.) No. Greed for memory. And just as Paul noted regarding money, I find that my love for memory has been a root for a number of evils in my life.

Obviously, memory is a necessity in life, and money proves pretty useful, too. These are neutral things, to be used well or poorly. What occurred to me this morning, however, is that there are dynamics at play with both that are worth examining.

To start with money, it can be gathered and then used profitably for the kingdom of God. But if hoarded, money is a curse and a prison. And in the end, it will be taken away. If not by the circumstances of life, then by death itself. We shall (!) be parted from our money.

Interestingly, memory is similar in at least a few respects. We can gather memories and use our memory profitably for the kingdom of God. But if we memorize for personal gain—and, most notably, for reasons of pride—memory is a curse and a prison. And in the end, it will be taken away from many of us as we approach death. Many of us lose the capacity to form new memories and keep them.

Where am I going with this? Well, those of us with good memories tend to take pride in such things. We remember trivia. We remember things so as to flaunt how much we know. Some people drive flashy cars. Others flaunt the wares they house between their ears.

But if we are in the game to flaunt our memory, then we are no better than those who flaunt their wealth. The same pride issues beset both crowds. It's just that the former like to think they are more refined.

For me, it occurred to me that all my googling on silly questions is too often chasing after the wind. I should be careful which topics I allow to consume my time. The facts I hoover up in life should preferably be of the sort that help me advance the kingdom of God. Raise up the poor. Love my neighbor.

Probably best to stop here. This reflection is not meant to be overly negative. It's fun to learn things. It's fun to know things. And there are ways to use the assets between our ears in ways that please Jesus.

But let this be a word of caution to self. Don't forget that greed for m___ can be unhealthy, and there are several ways to finish that M word.