Almost everyday, I think of this Bible verse. Why? Because it is one of the hardest things to do today in this broken world.
Most of it comes down to the idea of secular humanism (born out of the Enlightenment Era) - rejecting a divine ruler and using human reasoning as the basis for morality. It is sad when a kid cannot openly pray in school because it is considered offensive. It is sad most songs on the radio are filled with vulgar language and topics because that is what sells today. And it is sad that some Christians are made out to be hateful for condemning a particular sin that goes against the masses.
As you know, I do not have a problem admitting my struggles. My goal is not to come off as self-righteous or preachy in my posts. We are running the race together, side by side.
I will be the first to say, guarding my heart is one of my biggest struggles. I am distracted by the beautiful things on Earth everyday. I listen to that music I was talking about earlier (having heard all of Eminem's songs). I expose myself to TV shows and movies constantly that are not considered Christ-like. I do things on the weekends a typical college student does.
My focus is on what the Creator has made instead of the Creator himself. It is so easy to give into the World.
Every time I cave into that shiny object in front of me, it steals my heart away from God. This is not to say I am intentionally conforming to this secular society. It has become the culture that surrounds me and sometimes I feel is it impossible to escape.
Growing up, I would think to myself, Why is God trying to ruin my good time? Why is he trying to steal my pleasure away from me? After doing some digging, I see it and it is simple.
The things on earth are not meant to satisfy us... God is. Only He promises eternal life. About a year ago I came across this quote and it hit me hard:
"The fullness of joy is to behold God in everything." When we get to God, it is supposed to be the fullness of joy and pleasure forever!
Hebrews 11 brings up some big names like Abel, Noah, and Abraham and has this to say about them:
"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth." Hebrews 11:13
Strangers. These people lived like strangers to the Earth only welcoming foreign things from a distance. They stood their ground and lived by faith alone.
Because it has become more clear to me than ever, it is time to refocus on what is really important: The temporary things on Earth that offer no spiritual satisfaction or the loving God that promises an eternal life filled with joy and happiness.
I think the answer is pretty obvious, right?
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