Growing up I had all the advantages of access including education, Scripture, wise adults, and even a set of Encyclopedia Brittanica sitting on a shelf at the bottom of the stairs (likely with Frayser Baptist Schools stamped inside); however, some of the most practical advice shared typically came from a few other resources. Perhaps it was at dinner when dad shared Paul Harvey’s nuggets of the day (and yes, I thought that was the name of a co-worker for years). Or maybe it was the Reader’s Digest that arrived once-a-month that we grappled to get our hands on to read the jokes first. But I think the soundest wisdom came from a North Carolina sheriff by the name of Andy Griffith.
“You can’t let a young’n decide for himself. He’ll grab at the first Flashy Thing with shiny ribbons on it. Then, when he finds out there’s a hook in it, it’s too late. Wrong ideas come packaged with so much glitter that it’s hard to convince ‘em that other things might be better in the long run. All a parent can do is say ‘wait’ and ‘trust me’ and try to keep temptation away.” Now, Opie isn’t the only one who finds themselves attracted to Flashy Things, for I see the tendency in myself, and even within organizations, to chase after what seems new and exciting but may come attached with a hook at the end.
In his book Undistracted, Bob Goff encourages us to not become distracted by the Flashy Things of this world. “Rather than making decisions consistent with who God says we are, we might be acting like the person someone else wants us to be. Perhaps comparison is leading you away from yourself. Maybe it is financial pressures or deep-seated insecurities or past failures [or Flashy Things] that are overly influencing your present decisions. We need to recognize these things in our lives before we can begin the courageous work of moving forward.” We find ourselves distracted when we allow the demands of the current culture to influence our decisions in unhealthy ways.
Goff proposes, “We need to block our view of the things that hardly matter at all, stop returning to the patterns that do not serve our larger objectives, start recognizing what is temporary and transitory, and instead focus intensely on the things that will last forever: our faith, our families, and our purposes. When you direct your attention to these things, you will find your joy.” Oh, but that house, that car, that vacation—all of these long to be the source of our joy, and it’s especially challenging for some of us to avoid what Elisabeth Bennett calls “shiny object syndrome, chasing after fun experiences and things that bring the promise of pleasure.”
During stressful times, an Enneagram 5, like myself, becomes extremely fearful that they will never be satisfied, that a Contented Soul cannot be found on this side of heaven, so we look at Flashy Things in this world, or other people, to help us find that sense of satisfaction. The behavior we should really be engaging in is reminding ourselves of Scripture like Psalm 119:37, “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” But if it were easy, no one would be struggling, no one would be distracted from their life’s work by the Flashy Things of this world!
So, how do we go about resisting the lure of Flashy Things? Right now, I don’t know! For me, it often comes down to submission and prayer, asking the Lord to help me release my Clenched Fists and reflect on what I am allowing to take His place in my life. In Our Daily Bread, Patricia Raybon shares this reflection and prayer, perhaps you can join me in submitting our desires to Him: “What shiny wishes [Flashy Things] have you been chasing in life? Where could the path of wisdom take you instead? Heavenly Father, when I’m blinded by the lure of shiny wishes, inspire me to take hold of wiser choices, walking the path of wisdom back to Your blessed peace.”
References:
Bennett, E. (2021). The thinker: Growing as an Enneagram 5 (60-day Enneagram devotional). Whitaker House.
Goff, B. (2022). Undistracted: Capture your purpose, rediscover your joy. Thomas Nelson.
Hiebert, M. (2022, June 9). You can’t let a young’n decide for himself. Andy Griffith Show S2.E6. Opie’s Hobo Friend. Aired November 13, 1961. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv4Uhqbta0M
Raybon, P. (2021, December 30). Better than gold. Our Daily Bread. Retrieved from https://odb.org/US/2021/12/30/better-than-gold-2
Flourishing @ Life 
Hey Julie, Doug Ellis here—
Not smart enough to comment, but are questions ok? You just introduced something I’d never before encountered— Enneagram, not only typing, but the nine pointed star. My question: With the limited hours I have approaching 85, would determining my enneagram type be he highest and best use of my time? I enjoy the wisdom you share; continue. If appropriate, another question: Your inquiry regarding dependable movers prompts: Where are you going? We love you and miss seeing you at COM.
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I will email you.
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I think Powell discussed an important issue in today’s society. It is easy to be distracted by things of the world and stray from God. Whenever we become stressed, instead of turning to God we will sometimes turn to earthly things to console ourselves. “Flashy things,” as Powell calls them, can be easy to access and seem like the best option in stressful times. However, it is important to remember that maintaining good faith in God is the best solution to our ailments. When we feel drawn to something material, we need to remember that it cannot help us eternally and will only be a temporary solution to our problems.
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This was a very good read and I can relate to it in many ways. I am constantly catching myself these days comparing myself to others while not being satisfied with my own lifestyle. It is easy to forget that God is always working in our lives when things do not seem to be going as we plan, but that is because it is His plan, not ours. I am guilty of falling into the “shiny object syndrome” for happiness, but reading this was a good reminder that God will not let something pass us by that is not for us, and He will always provide us with everything we will ever need.
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There are many ways in which I can relate to this book, and it was a very good read for me. Currently, I often find myself comparing myself to others while being unsatisfied with my own lifestyle. Sometimes we forget that God is always working in our lives even when things don’t seem to be going according to our plans, but that’s because it’s His plan and not ours. Having fallen into the “shiny object syndrome” for happiness, this served as a good reminder that God will not let us pass something by that we will never need, and will always provide what we need.
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When reading this I came to realize that I relate to this more than I thought. Today’s time can be very “unsatisfying” causing me to seek other things such as “shiny things” or nonlasting pleasures. Sometimes it I easy to forget that God has a plan and is constantly working even if things do not seem to be going the way I might think. It is His plan for my life and I have to put trust in that. This read makes me realize that I do not need to take for granted the lasting things such as my family, faith, and my purpose on this earth. But I need to trust in God that He will not let me pass something that is needed for my life so that I can focus on lasting happiness and trust in God for the things He will provide for me.
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I enjoyed reading this and am glad that this does not only happen to me. I get caught up in the world and always find myself wanting new and better things. Sometimes because what I want is the new “trend” or simply because I want something new and am not satisfied with what I already have. It is easy to forget at times that God is always at work and has a plan, even when things do not appear to be going as I would like them to. It is His will for my life, and I must have faith in it. I’m reminded by this article that I shouldn’t undervalue things in my life. However, in order for me to concentrate on long-lasting enjoyment and have faith in God for the things He will provide for me, I must trust that He will not allow me to miss anything that is necessary for my life.
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