Hey, guess what, everybody! I recently discovered that I have a “Jessica Simpson” purse – wooohoo! I don’t know who the heck Jessica Simpson is (and don’t really care – I just happened to like this purse I saw at a half-off sale a few weeks ago).
But one of the assistants at my dentist’s office immediately recognized it for what it was, and excitedly informed me that I was the proud owner of a “Jessica Simpson” purse. Until then, I had never even checked the label on the back, because – honestly – I’m not impressed by “name brands.” (I don't impress easily.)
And so, while the dental assistant was going on and on about my beautiful purse, I found myself saying a silent prayer that YHWH would open her eyes to Himself and the blessings HE had in store for those who were willing to drop the temporary “stuff” of this world, and follow the example of His Divine Messiah.
Rom 12:1 I call upon you, therefore, brothers, through the compassion of Elohim, to present your bodies a living offering – set-apart, well-pleasing to Elohim – your reasonable worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you prove what is that good and well-pleasing and perfect desire of Elohim. (ISR)
This world and all that’s in it, is just a temporary dwelling place; a “classroom” for YHWH’s people to learn about Him and His Word; a place designed to prepare us for the Kingdom. It was never meant to become a breeding ground for men to pound their chests about their accomplishments. It was always all about giving glory to our Creator who gave us the intelligence to accomplish whatever we set our minds to....
My “Jessica Simpson” purse will wear out one day and end up – like ALL our possessions – in a pile of rubble. Sure, it’s nice to have while it lasts, and I’m thankful for the means to have it and for the hands that made it. But, in the grand scheme of things, it's just a nice thing to own for awhile, as I keep in perspective that, without YHWH's grace, love and mercy, I wouldn't have ANYTHING!
Ever since I "got saved," my mind has been totally focused on the Kingdom and how many I can reach for YHWH between now and the time I finally get to stand in His Presence. Nothing else matters to me ... least of all, some "name brand" something or other.
I pray that the dental assistant who was gushing over my purse will soon come to the same revelation.
Luke 12: 15 Then to the people he said, "Be careful to guard against all forms of greed, because even if someone is rich, his life does not consist in what he owns." …. 33 Sell what you own and do tzedakah -- make for yourselves purses that don't wear out, riches in heaven that never fail, where no burglar comes near, where no moth destroys. 34 For where your wealth is, there your heart will be also. (CJB)
1 John 2: 15 Do not love the world or the things of the world. If someone loves the world, then love for the Father is not in him; 16 because all the things of the world - the desires of the old nature, the desires of the eyes, and the pretensions of life - are not from the Father but from the world. 17 And the world is passing away, along with its desires. But whoever does God's will remains forever. (CJB)
Proverbs 23:17 Don't envy sinners, but follow the example of those who always fear God; 18 for then you will have a future; what you hope for will not be cut off. (CJB)
1 Corinthians 10:7 Don't be idolaters, as some of them were… (CJB)
Matthew 6:19-33 19 "Do not store up for yourselves wealth here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and burglars break in and steal. 20 Instead, store up for yourselves wealth in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and burglars do not break in or steal. (CJB – Please read verses 21-33 for some eye-opening truth!)
While surfing the net, I come across sites and stories about entertainers from the 90s and 2000s that were famous then but then drop off the radar. The late Andy Warhol tells us that fame is short-lived, hence the proverbial "15 minutes of fame."
ReplyDeleteThe more I read the word, the easier it becomes to give up things that I don't need, and better recognize when I'm struggling to let go of things that will hinder my spiritual maturity. Like my box of school books and homework memories- pray for me to let them go. 1st and 2nd phase of cleanup was easy, but oh this next phase.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post, Anonymous! The thing is, you don't have to let go of your box of school books and homework memories. They're simply your precious memories, not some idol (like a name-brand pair of jeans, or whatever, that you can't afford but just have to have because everyone else has it, and therefore you go into debt to own it). There's nothing wrong with sweet memories as long as they don't take over your every thought and cause you to become depressed and thus ruin your life. Do you see the difference?
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