What Do You Want People to Admire Most About You?

Upon my daily devotion, a question made me pause and think.  The question was "What do you want people to admire most about you?"  Makes you think, right?

Jeremiah 9:23,24

Thus said the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glory glory in this, that he understand and know me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgement, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight says the Lord.

Look at these two verse again...marinate.

In the society we live in today, knowing God is not honored nor fruits of loving-kindness. It is so easy to get caught up in concentrating too much on worldly goals. Let me explain, do we want people to admire the level of education we have?  Do we want people to admire that prestige position that we may be in? Do we want people to admire that fancy car, house, or designer clothes?  Here's the biggie-will any of that profit us in the Kingdom of God?  Selah

God is not against any of those things, but when they become more important to us than the kingdom in our hearts, then it can be a problem.  See flesh is never satisfied.  Flesh will have going for that higher degree, that bigger house, that fancy car, or the next designer thing.  See flesh will keep you wanting to feel "special", having one up on another person.  Hmmm..sounds like it can open the door to pride.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

There is a spiritual nugget right there.  Our hearts need to be set on the Kingdom first, not worldly goals first, the kingdom.  Do you want people to admire the fruit they see you producing more or that degree?  Do you want people to admire your commitment to God or to that job?   Saints our hearts should be towards HIM, towards kingdom first, then all the things will be added.

Proverbs 4:23

Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

God is watching our heart in ALL matters!  Even the matters we think are not important.  That question convicted my spirit man and I hope it convicts yours as well.  Saints, lets keep seeking the Kingdom of God first!

LLP

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes. and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world...1 John 2:16

I call this LLP: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life.  This scripture is a spiritual nugget for us kingdom minded saints!  It's warning us what can be our down fall.  It can be so subtle yet so destructive to our spiritual man. Yet it bombards us every single day.

You're sitting at work minding your business.  The next thing you know Mr. tall, dark, and handsome with a lovely smile comes your way.  You find yourself starring just a little too long.  Your mind can even go wondering picturing you two as a couple.  What is really this act, lust of the eye.

You know God's word is pretty clear about forgiveness and loving our neighbors as ourselves.  Yet back in 1985, SalleMae did you real dirty and you even find yourself saying things like "but God, I know you saw what SalleMae did".  Then you try to justify why you haven't forgiven her.  What is really this act, lust of the flesh.

You have accomplished something wonderful like earning a degree.  Vanilla tells you he only has a high school diploma.  You find yourself feeling better yourself as you have an advantage over him. You may even look down upon him without realizing it.  What is really this act, pride of life.

I know lately I have been on guarding our hearts, staying humble, and crucify the flesh. No, these subjects are not popular and yes they even cut.  Nevertheless, what do we desire more of? Do we want to experience the fullness of joy in His presence?  Do we want to grow from glory to glory?  OR do we want to cling to the world, cling to our flesh?  The choice is truly up to us!

Saints, we are more within the last days then we realize.  Lets guard ourselves from LLP and stay worshiping in spirit and in truth.  Selah