Where are your treasures stored?

This life is seriously so temporary. All the things society worships will not last beyond this life - physical appearance, money, music, success, excitement, travel. What really matters is securing our eternal destiny and discovering the incredible freedom of Jesus Christ - the one and only man who has loved you perfectly and knows the inner workings of your heart but still sees you as beautiful and valuable. Life with Jesus is true excitement and fulfillment. It may sound far-fetched or cliche but I see it in my life. I've tried searching for security in perfecting myself and being liked by others. Making sure my outfits are stylish and Facebook photos flawless in order to be accepted. Trying so hard to get the attention of guys, to say and do the right things you know will impress. Subconsciously competing with other girls and comparing yourself, wanting to be the most spiritual, beautiful, like-able. Becoming easily envious, insecure, and discontent.

These things are so empty. This is not what God planned for us who have been made new in Christ. We have been called to leave behind the world and be transformed to the likeness of Jesus. To die to ourselves and live in service to God, serving others and loving sincerely. Jesus was not concerned with his reputation, appearance, or whether or not others thought well of him. Imagine for a moment what Jesus would be doing if he was on the earth right now. Would he be spending his money on clothes and shoes, making sure his appearance rivaled those of the current fashion icons? Would he be devoted to his computer, surfing twitter and Facebook and uploading Instagram photos of his every activity to prove that he has an interesting life? Or would he be living in a stark contrast to the world and media, in humble appearance, devoting his time with those most in need - the homeless, abused, depressed, lonely, spiritually poor?

The apostle John was described as the disciple whom Jesus loved. This was his perspective on life:

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them." - 1 John 2:15

If you believe in God's Word, then this is a serious command! If anyone loves this world, they do not have love for God. We are all servants of something - if it's not God, then what is it for you? Satan masquerades as an angel of light trying to distract us from pure devotion to Christ - he fills our minds with distractions, worries, fears, and worldly passions.


"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" - James 1:27

We must actively run away from the world which pollutes our thinking - what do you let into your body which is God's holy temple? Movies, tv shows, music, books, websites - are they pure, do they lead you to love God and serve people? Even if they are not inappropriate, do the hours you spend on these things help you grow spiritually or help the lost people of this world to see God? What is the goal of your life? If it is just to be happy, entertained, and to have fun, then you are not following Jesus. 

"Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." - 1 John 2:6

This is not optional! Jesus deserves so much from us, and God has an amazing plan for us if we are willing to throw off the worldly things that promise much but deliver little. I've been evaluating my life and priorities, and God has opened my eyes to the materialism and self-focus of our generation - which has seeped its way into the kingdom. Let's be radical sisters! It's not acceptable to simply be a purer version of the world. We can't have the best of both worlds.


"I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." - 1 Timothy 2:9-10

lastly, sisters, you are all incredibly beautiful and radiant. You don't need braided hair, trendy outfits, or curled eyelashes to prove your beauty or to be valued. God's plan was for us to radiate His beauty through our modesty and good deeds, not attracting attention to our appearance, but humbly serving and loving, and drawing our security from intimacy with Him. 

In conclusion, I fear that we are missing out on the fullness of a God-lead life because of worldly things stealing our time and devotion. It's time to re-evaluate priorities and discover what it really means for us to leave everything to follow our Lord.

Love,
meg