On Finding Ourselves


Thus says the Lord: Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
Intelligence + power + money = popularity. There is no more obvious formula for happiness in this world. It was true 3000 years ago. It was true in Jesus' day. And it is true today. Or at least that's what we think... and not just think—it's what we strive for. And if we're lucky enough to reach our ultimate goal, it's what we glory in.

But the Bible has other ideas. The law, the prophets, and the psalms all try their best to point us away from the things we think will give us happiness in life to that which will give us abundant life. The ultimate authority on the subject, though, is Jesus. He presented the question as a trade-off that we might sum up this way: Your money or your life. If we follow the teachings of Jesus, we will discover that the things we've been taught to count on for wholeness are really just disguises we wear to look good in others' (and even our own) eyes. Only in letting go of the trappings of popularity can we discover ourselves... and the One who created us.

What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?
 Luke 9:25
Prayer after thinking about today's devotion:
Help me to seek myself, O loving Creator, not in what I have or do, but in my identity as your child.
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After your own thanksgivings & petitions, close with the Lord's Prayer.
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