I do not have a newspaper subscription.
It's too depressing.
However, every time I log onto AOL to get my emails, I am confronted with little *news bites* all over the page.
Snippets of what's happening in the world, in politics, in sports, in medicine, in entertainment…
I suppose it's a good thing to keep updated on things – but like I said before, I find it all a little depressing.
The human race is just so consumed with itself.
Fame, fortune, power…
These are the things that get people admired, envied, emulated –
But why?
These are not lasting things – they are things of the world. And all too often, people toss their values aside in pursuit of them.
The human race – not so different today as it was in the time of Jeremiah. Society was deteriorating economically, politically, and spiritually. Wars dominated the world scene. God's Word was deemed offensive.
Sound familiar?
God appointed Jeremiah to bring His word to "nations and kingdoms." It was Jeremiah'smission to warn all the nations of the world about God's judgment for sin. Because God looks at things in a different way…
Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" is what God has to say:
"This is what the LORD says: 'Don't let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone; that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken!'" (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
You see, God places a high priority on knowing Him personally. He values justice, righteousness, and love more than fame, fortune, and power.
God defines success in a different way than the world does. He considered Jeremiah a success – because he obeyed God faithfully. Regardless of opposition and personal cost, Jeremiah courageously proclaimed the word of God. He was obedient to his calling.
We, too, have a responsibility to bring God's Word to a fallen world – to tell others about the consequences of sin and the hope that God offers. We have a responsibility to live differently– to define ourselves by God's values and priorities.
We must press on to know Him more and more – to obey Him faithfully.
God's approval alone should be our standard for service – and our standard for success.
As far as I'm concerned, AOL can keep its headlines – for these are not the stories of people following hard after the LORD.
On the other hand, we have a calling, my friends – are you ready to answer?
(Linked today with Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays, and Peggy at Soaking On SONday. Please feel free to hop on over to my other blog during the week - Sharon Sharing God)
"When in doubt, search God out!"
Blessings Sharon... I'm with you. Much prefer no news than the depressing news of the headlines even AOL or Yahoo snippets.
ReplyDeleteGood call to point out our responsibility and God's perspective on success. After all, He holds the victory and if we are part of that winning team, we'd better do our part. Such great encouragement from Jeremiah and you!
This one statement stands out and sums it all up from you:
"God's approval alone should be our standard for service – and our standard for success."
Boasting in the Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit alone today, nothing of my own causes me to boast... so thankful for the GIFT that flows through you!
Soaking On SONday with love, peace, JOY and resting my computer worn, allergic eyes (who would have thought my eyes would be so puffed up but that's not from boasting) EnJOY the day!
Peggy
God's approval is what I desire most!
ReplyDeleteAnother awesome "Bible Pick 'Ems" Sharon. Yes we must all press on to know Him more and take the gospel to the lost.
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Ken
Jeremiah 9:23-24 are my life verses, the ones that define my "calling" on this earth--to know God and then out of that knowing, lead others to know the same. Yet another confirmation to me, Sharon, straight from your pen!!! Some day, I will tell you about it.
ReplyDeletepeace~elaine
It is amazing how most people seek after the things of this world and neglect the most important things. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
I personally have felt distracted by filling myself up with "things" to feel better. As if that would increase my value as a person, right? But yes, truly knowing God and understanding him brings much more happiness and satisfaction. Oh how we need to hear this over again to keep us grounded. Thank you my friend I Loved the scripture!
ReplyDeleteAlways learning,
Sophia
Peggy - Oh good luck with the allergies. I have them, too - and this time of year is brutal! Yes, our faith walk takes both our responsibility and God's perspective. Success in this world isn't what it's cracked up to be. I'd much rather work for that "Good and Faithful Servant" award!
ReplyDeletePamela - Me too! It's the only approval that has any lasting value! I live my earthly life for a heavenly reward.
Ken - Thank you. And I agree - I read your comments on Sandra's blog about getting the Good News out to unbelievers. Yes, we need to have a sense of urgency about them. Sometimes I think we could use a little bit of that old "fire and brimstone" - people without God have a terrible future ahead of them. We must show them God's love before it's too late.
Elaine - How wonderful that these are your life verses! There is no better "calling" on this earth than that. I would love to hear what God has been saying to you. I am blessed to have been any part of His word of confirmation to you.
Charlotte - It really is sad, isn't it, how people seek things that have absolutely no eternal value. The most important thing is to be laying up our treasures in Heaven - where they will be incorruptible. All to His glory.
Sophia - Hello, dear friend! Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment. Yes, you understand what I was talking about. The distractions of this world are so insidious. And they aren't satisfying. Like you said, happiness and satisfaction are ONLY found in knowing God. We're in this together - helping each other stay grounded in the things of eternity!
GOD BLESS!