Worldly
pursuits and goals leave us empty and sometimes even ashamed, even if we
successfully accomplish them. We spend a lifetime running after what we think
will make us happier, prettier, more financially stable, and give us fame,
fortune and a successful legacy to leave to posterity.
In
the race against time, we feel good about what we achieve. We buy-in to the
lies of the flesh, the devil and the world. We make them the object of our
goals, and the worldview that we adopt in order to guide our life. Yet, what do
they really matter in the end?
In
order to attain these dreams, we often forsake those blessings that God gives
us to cherish. We neglect family, health, and a pursuit of God and His Kingdom
in order to look good in the eyes of the world. Yet, we end up broken,
disillusioned and diseased.
God
gives us a remedy for this conundrum. He advises that if we seek holiness and
His Kingdom and plans first, He will add to our life everything that really
matters (Matthew 6:33). We are not required to reap second-best, but we get the
gold medal for every effort we make on His behalf.
Our
life in Christ is beautiful, meaningful, fulfilling, and we pass on a lasting
legacy of God's love to thousands of our future generations (Exodus 20:6;
Deuteronomy 7:9). Submission to God and His will for our life is the key to our
true and lasting success.
We
make better use of our time, spin our wheels less, reap fewer trials caused by
our choices, and enjoy the presence of the Trinity within us. This way we go to
the grave filled with God's peace, joy, love, and anticipation of eternity in
His presence.
Prayer:
Father
God, help us to plan our life on Your truth and hope, rather than on the lies
of our flesh, the world and the devil. We are comforted by Jesus' words that
although we are guaranteed trials in this life, which are often more than we
can bear, they are never more than You can bear, because You already overcame
them for us (John 16:33). Your presence is continually within us; and You
never, ever leave or forsake us, no matter what we are living through (Hebrews
1:5; Colossians 1:27, Hebrews 13:5).
You
gave us Biblical examples, starting with Jesus, of people who either dedicated
their life to pursuing You and Your will, or who lived a carnal, unfulfilling
life chasing their own dreams and plans. Remind us to take responsibility for
our choices, rather than to blame other people for the disappointments and
wounds of our past. We give You all of the praise and glory for every good work
that we accomplish with our life.
Thought
for the Day:
When
we seek God's Kingdom and righteousness first with our thoughts, feelings and
choices, we reap the assurance that He will provide us with everything we need
to live fulfilled lives in Christ Jesus; we further His Kingdom in the earth
rather than our own empire, and we accomplish more for our legacy than any
worldly pursuit will ever attain.
