A FLEETING GLANCE
Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Proverbs 23:5 (NIV)
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve purchased something only to experience what’s often known as buyer’s remorse. You know, it’s the feeling of regret, anxiety or disappointment that comes when you realize the thing you thought would satisfy you has only let you down. It wasn’t what you thought it was. You felt great for a short time, but the feeling quickly faded. Or what often happens is something new comes out and makes the old one feel… well, old.
Today’s passage reminds us that things, even as shiny and valuable as gold, don’t last. While powerful enough to catch our attention, riches (or popularity, promotion… you fill in the blank) have no lasting power to satisfy the deepest longings in our souls. The reality is that our lust causes us to grasp at things. We see something for even a brief moment and are blinded, in a sense, to what truly has value.
...As the apostle Paul instructs us,
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
APPLICATION: Make a list of things that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. Look at this list throughout the day to help you focus on things that truly have value.
PRAYER: God, I often mistake temporary things for that which is eternal. Even a glance pulls my eyes to the things of this world rather than keeping my focus on You and things that truly last. I pray You’ll help me see the emptiness of what the world offers and help me value those things that truly matter. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?