“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
– Ephesians 1:22-23
Yesterday, we looked at the lust of the flesh and talked about how obsessing over physical desires can make our lives vulnerable to the enemy’s destruction. Today, I want to share with you another way the devil seeks to wreak havoc in our lives — the lust of the eyes. We live in a world that is obsessed with appearance. In fact, many of us learn to obsess about our image, or what we look like to those around us, even before we are old enough to understand why. Our materialistic society teaches that in order to be somebody, we must have certain things. In other words, I am what I have and I am what people say about me. When we desire the next hot car, designer clothes, the biggest house, and material wealth above spiritual blessings, we are falling into the devil’s trap of believing that those things will satisfy us. While there’s nothing wrong with fine cars, or the best clothes, or with looking terrific or being wealthy, the problem lies in the priorities. When we are compelled to the point of obsession and we believe that we genuinely need those things in order to be content, we have been sold a lie. Friend, if reputation management and the image of perfection are more important than the state of your heart and soul, you are on a slippery slope. If your thoughts have descended to a place of self-abasement and you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to others while focusing on what you don’t have, Satan is having his way in your life! Remember, nothing besides Jesus will ever satisfy the deepest longings and desires of your heart. With your happiness in someone else’s head, your inner life can quickly be destroyed; this is why it’s vital to keep your eyes fixed on the goodness, beauty, majesty and sufficiency of your Savior. He is everything you will ever need — the One who fulfills everything in every way! Isn’t that amazing news? |
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for setting me free from the need to manage my reputation and maintain the image of perfection. I know that you are all that I need.
Reflection
What do you feel like you need to have to maintain your image with others? How can you surrender it to Jesus?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
Thank you Bobby! It’s all too easy to become distracted towards appearances. Jesus calls us back again and again. He’s always waiting for us to call on Him. Thank you for directing us back to Him when the world calls us away!