Selling Air From Kobe Bryant’s Final Game

Recently an item went up on Ebay. It claims to be a bag of air acquired during the Hall of Fame bound Kobe Bryant’s final game. The biding of the bag of air started at $1. Hours later, it had made it all the way up to over $15,000 before it was taken down. While it’s not clear why it was taken down, it does seem legitimate buyers were looking to buy the air (Sports Illustrated).

Now I’m a pretty big sports fan, but I think I would have to draw the line somewhere slightly before purchasing air. Besides, similar to irresistible bubble wrap, a big bag full of air would probably be a major popping temptation for my children. In reality, this entire concept is ridiculous. Sure, maybe someone out there is a huge Kobe Bryant fan, but come on! Air? Really? All this sale really does is point out a sad reality about our culture; we are very materialistically minded. Sure, maybe we’re not so focused on stuff that we want to buy air, but we do often store up treasure for ourselves here on earth.

Jesus clearly stated, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

While none of us are likely to go throw up a bid for some air, we do need to make sure we’re keeping the right perspective on our stuff this life. We get so focused on our houses, cars, bank accounts, collectible, etc. It’s all temporary. The stuff we have will eventually end up in one big fire (2 Peter 3:10). Let’s make sure we store up the things that are actually worth treasuring, the heavenly, spiritual things.