It’s time for spring cleaning in my life – literally the cleaning of my closets and figuratively of my heart. We live in a world that bombards us with the need for more, better, newer, and bigger. It’s so easy to get distracted. And – particularly with social media – it’s so easy to compare. Worldliness is the norm, and I often find myself numb to it.
That house. His job. Her clothes. Those vacations. Just fill in the blank.
I think about Eve – falling to the trick of a fresh apple because of how she thought it would improve her life. I’d like to think that I would have known better. But who am I kidding? I fall for the apple over and over again. It’s bright and shiny. If it’s on sale, I’m doubly tempted. If it’s on Amazon Prime, I can have it quickly. Certainly not all of the *stuff* in our world is inherently evil, but it is never as lastingly enjoyable or satisfying as we expect.
Scripture tells us that if we are alive in Christ, the world is not our home. The world should not influence our identity or determine our worth. So, breathe a sigh of relief girls! God never intended for us to stress about the rat race or the social ladder. We are called to be different. The world will never satisfy the eternal longing in our souls. In fact, friendship with the world is hostility toward God (James 4:4).
So what are we to do? How do we even begin to live in the world without being of the world?
Let’s acknowledge that earthly wisdom is flawed and secular. Let’s call our earthly cravings what they are and ask God to help us shed the burdens of pride, vanity, and selfishness. Let’s admit that we often wear masks for each other but that God is not fooled by filtered photos or empty words. And let’s approach our Creator with humble, pure hearts to see how we can help build His kingdom.
I don’t want people to envy my stuff. I want them to desire the source of my joy, to understand the foundation of my hope, and to seek the Provider of my contentment.
You don’t want my life.
You want my Jesus.
Friends, the ground is level at the foot of the cross. It really is. Let’s love well and meet each other there.
Grace and peace,
Sara
Sara is a West Texas girl, currently living outside of Dallas. She adores her husband of 14+ years and delights in the daily chaos of raising and discipling their 3 young girls. She is also a physician, specializing in MRI imaging.
When I first read the title for this week I thought “well this doesn’t apply to me”. But today’s verse…you caught me. I am just as guilty as the next girl of wanting what this world has to offer. It is a daily struggle to lay those desires at the feet of Jesus and seek His will.
I completely agree, Lacey! I thought the same thing you did about this week. But, oh how I struggle with seeing what others have and what they look like (especially since I am currently struggling with weight problems). Thank God for His grace that is new every morning, though, to redeem us when we focus too much on these desires. Thank You, God, for guiding us back to focusing on You and Your love for us!
I could totally relate to this. I found this blog for a great reason, for me to be reminded Who God is in my life. I tend to be very particular with all these worldly things to gain praise from other people when I am called only, to answer to God. Thank you, for sharing this! God bless you and your family 🙂 All love, from Kristine (Philippines)
It really is amazing how God reaches out to us just when and how we need Him to! So glad you are here!
Thank you Sara!!
Specially encouraging: I don’t want people to envy my stuff. I want them to desire the source of my joy…
Aned Koebsch
I knew I was weak when I fell for a site that is political in nature and uses swear words as it’s name brand. I quickly tried to edit it , to stop it and get it off my FB page. I don’t want to spend my emotional life putting down a political party when I need to be studying the word and staying close to our Lord and my master. I am not afraid of him or his ways. I want to pray for those that are in political power and let the Lord deal with their hearts. Thank you for your words this week they certainly were speaking to me.
Thank you so much for drawing our attention to this. Sometimes we do it subconsciously but now I will be more mindful and keep my eye on the ultimate prize My sweet Lord and Savior.
I just started a blog and I would so so so so appreciate it if you would check it out!! https://beloveddaughterssite.wordpress.com/