In 1950 the average size for a new single family dwelling was 998 sq. ft. In 1960 it had grown to 1,289 sq. ft. By 1970 the size of an average new house was an even 1,500 sq. ft. The year 1980 jumped to 1,740 sq. ft. and 1990 to 2,080. In the year 2000 it was 2,266 sq. ft. and by 2010 it grew to 2,392 sq. ft. Today, in the year 2020, the average new house is a whopping 2,687 sq. ft. In 1950 the average sq. ft. per person was 298 sq. ft. In 2020 the average family member has 1,046 sq. ft. all to themselves. Over three times the space of a 1950ite. The numbers speak for themselves. Homes in the U.S. are growing at an exponential rate. But you have to ask yourself, why? Families are not getting bigger. In fact, in several demographics the family size is getting smaller. Yet, all the while, homes are getting bigger.
As I was growing up, empty nesters would clear out all the kids and then usually downsize. The kids are gone, less space is needed, it was an optimal time to move to a house that was less to maintain, less to pay for, and less to clean. But last Christmas we attended a party hosted by some friends that are empty nesters and they had just bought a new home. And it was quite the home. It was much larger than their last home and quite the upgrade to say the least. So, as they were approaching the backside of mid-life, instead of downsizing they actually bought a much bigger house than what they raised their family in. That logic just seems strange to me.
So, you really have to sit down with a good cup of coffee and ponder this American trend that is over 70 years in the making. Why do we Americans need constantly larger, nicer, more extravagant homes? As I sip my java, I pontificate the possible reasons. One, you have a gaggle of kids like the Brady Bunch and you need to keep them separated so they won’t kill each other. Two. Two? Well, I really can’t think of a number two. Home floor space is meant to house humans from the elements and keep them safe. Why do two adults need 5,000 sq. ft?
We can find much of the answer today in 2 Samuel chapter 18, but many will not like the answer. You see, when God’s Words get a little too close, we squirm. We really want a Sunday kind of God that will just stay in the church building, behind the pulpit with the Pastor. Let the Pastor live with God’s Word all week long, we just want a nice little sampling of it on the weekend. But God’s Word is confrontational. It has to be to confront hearts that are steeped in sin, pride, selfishness, and ego. And speaking of such a heart, let’s continue looking at the life of Absalom.
Absalom’s claim on his father’s throne has erupted into civil war. The mighty men of David against the people of Israel that have decided to follow Absalom. A kingdom split between a father and a son. It’s always hard to look at how easily people are led astray. Whether it be cults, dogmatic personalities, TV scams, get rich quick programs, or the next magical weight loss plan, people are so eager to believe what they want to believe. Absalom burst onto the scene and “captured the hearts” of the Israelites. He looked good, spoke well, promised the moon, and the easily influenced people bought all he was selling. It’s somewhat reminiscent of what God tells us in Revelation that the anti-christ will be capable of. He will be the most charismatic, charming, attractive individual that the world has ever seen. And that is all it will take to woo an easily convinced world into the palm of his hand.
Absalom is bent on killing his father and taking the throne. But of course, God has other plans. Absalom is killed in battle, the civil war ends, and David is left to mourn the loss of his son. But as God’s Word elaborates on the death and burial of Absalom, we are given these words that sum up his life.
“During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument to himself in the King’s Valley, for he said, “I have no son to carry on my name.” He named the monument after himself, and it is known as Absalom’s Monument to this day.” 2 Samuel 18:18
Folks, are you erecting a personal monument today? Are you working yourself silly to fund the project? We live in a world today that is doing just this. Just drive around the “wealthy” part of your town and look at the mansions that stand there, monuments erected to honor its inhabitants. Extravagant structures that serve no other purpose than to glorify the men and women that can afford them. Absalom’s heart was set on honoring himself. His heart was so full of pride and selfishness that he, and he alone, sat on the throne of his heart. There was no room for anyone else. Who sits on the throne of your heart today? Is there room for anyone else besides yourself? You see, whoever sits on the throne of your heart will be exalted in the work of your hands. Whoever rules your heart will be glorified in you actions. Whoever is the Lord of your life will be clearly visible in how you live. If Jesus sits on the throne of your heart you won’t be erecting monuments to yourself here on this Earth, you’ll be investing in the gospel…and seeing hearts erected for Jesus Christ. A heart that has Jesus Christ is a heart will stand forever...long after monuments fall.
Today I challenge you to take a look around. Take a careful look around your life and make sure that you are not unknowingly erecting monuments in your life and putting your name on them. Monuments in this life can be big houses, cars, education, big bank accounts, 401-k’s, jobs, boats, planes, vacation properties, toys, and on and on. Be careful. We live in a world today that will whisper in our ear and provoke us with the exact thing that we think will promote our lives above another. But it’s a lie. As we erect those monuments to ourselves, they will never truly satisfy. Jesus Christ is the only way to true satisfaction.
“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.” 1 John 2:16
“And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 2:15
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Matthew 6:24
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