ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."
Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV)
In my youth, I did competitive Irish Dancing. I wore the big curly wig, the sparkly dress, and the bedazzled tiara. However, beneath the makeup, hair and dress were sweat, blood, blisters and one too many bobby pins jammed into my scalp. I loved pushing myself to win another medal or trophy. But with every win came more pressure to perform at a higher standard. Eventually, I reached a crossroads: did I want to pursue this professionally?
I've seen many of my dance friends chase their dreams, only to reach a point where they had to stop. They grew tired. The training, travel and performances began to wear them down. How often do we see this in our day-to-day lives? People are constantly pursuing money, the next big promotion, the best diet pill, or the trendiest clothing. We're overwhelmed with choices, bombarded with messages telling us that what we have isn't enough—that we need bigger, better and more.
Some of these pursuits aren't inherently bad. Working hard at your job, eating healthy and taking care of your family are important. But they aren't the most important things. I love the story of when Jesus called Matthew to be His disciple. He approached Matthew while he was working as a tax collector and said, "Follow me." Without hesitation, Matthew got up and followed Him (Matthew 9:9). There are no questions asked. He simply follows Jesus. At that time, tax collectors were greatly despised. Although Matthew likely made a good living, he was probably isolated and seen as a traitor by his community. He had it all, yet he chose to walk away from everything to follow Jesus. I believe deep down, Matthew understood that only Jesus could fulfill the deep longing in his soul for something more.
APPLICATION: Take a moment to reflect on your current pursuits. Is it money, control or success? Write them down honestly before God. If Jesus asked you to Follow Me today, would you be willing to leave everything behind? Invite God to search your heart and align your desires with His will.
PRAYER: Lord, we thank You for pursuing us. Help us to see clearly that the glitter and gold of the world hold no value and give no eternal life, but only You, Jesus. Grow in my heart a faith to follow You without hesitation or fear. I love You. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?