One of the reasons Citizen Kane is such a talked about and memorable film stems from its major tragedy. It is a tragedy of futility and purposelessness. Kane had all the riches, media clout and political power to move the masses. He strove for success, one might say the American Dream, but he also yearned for love and acceptance. Instead of being a world shaker and a culture changer for good, he slowly encircled himself in his treasure filled dungeon. Riches carried more value than people, or at least Kane assumed riches could buy him friendships and love. He was wrong and he died with a feeble phrase on his lips. In other words we cannot carry all our mountains of worldly goods with us into the next lifetime. Not even our favorite childhood sled. They are utterly useless. They cannot save our souls. They have no bearing on our infinitesimal lives when put in context of an eternal perspective.
Now what does any of this rambling have to do with John Piper's book? It has a great deal because Kane is just the type of person and just the type of life Piper seems to be calling for us to avoid at all costs. Especially as Christians our lives should not simply be reliant on human love and interaction (which are important), but more paramount than that is fellowship with our Father, the Creator of the Universe. We are told to magnify the Lord in how we live and with what we are given.
Kane was blessed with much, but with those who are given much, much is also expected. Thus, it makes sense why the kingdom heaven is said to be a difficult goal for a rich man. None of us can get there alone, but Christ simply illustrates that we are expected to bless others with our treasures on earth.
My hope is that I do not end up as a Citizen Kane, my last words being my favorite sled, my prized piece of hardware or my favorite film. I hope I might leave knowing that I did not waste my life and then I will hear the Lord say, despite all my shortcomings, well done good and faithful servant!
