Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Fancy houses, expensive cars, brand name clothing, the newest cell phones—the material things of this world are often the things that bring us the greatest frustrations. Aren’t these luxuries supposed to fill us with happiness, acceptance, security, and popularity? Why then—now more than ever—are we a nation with rising depression and anxiety? 

It’s simple, really. These things are just things. They don’t fill us with love; they add to our debt. They don’t bring us lasting joy; they are temporary prizes. In our fixation for more stuff, we lose sight of what’s important. Instead of focusing on God’s approval, we are driven by the approval of other people. And this is where that way of living becomes dangerous. These untrue prizes do not come with ribbons to display or trophies to marvel at. 

2 Timothy 3:13 
But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

When we live to fit in, we forget that we were uniquely created by our heavenly Father to stand out, to be a special light in this ever-dimming world. By keeping up with the Joneses, we cheat our divine being of who God created us to be. Every time we lose focus on God’s plan, it causes us to miss out on the adventure he has for us. We all have a special assignment, and I promise you, it has nothing to do with fitting in or being fake. Jesus paid the ultimate debt, giving us the choice between our earthly desires and his plan for our lives. He longs for us to choose him. 

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

When we deprive ourselves of being in touch with that divine part of ourselves, we not only hurt ourselves but everyone else we come into contact with. You see, by being you—by blossoming into your true self and accepting God's call on your life—you begin to shine. You are a lighthouse to those lost at sea. You are an inspiration to those who are conflicted or wandering. 

Imagine what the world could be if you were you, and I was me! 

Questions: 
Where in your life are you faking it the most? What’s one thing you can simplify in your life to be more of who God wants you to be? 

Next Steps: 
Take inventory of your heart and your priorities. Reflect on being real and showing the world the one and only you. 

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, thank you for making me, me. Help me to be that unique person you crafted me to be. In my heart are the seeds you’ve planted to blossom me into the soul I’ve been created to be. I don’t need to fake it. I don’t need to blend in. I need to be confident and real, for myself and those around me. You have equipped me to make this world a better place, and I can do that by simply being real and raw. You love me, for me. And that’s all I need to be. In your heavenly name I pray, amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
Psalm 37:3-4 
³ Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. ⁴ Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

This post was written by Keisha Wiechers, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.