The relentless pursuit for worldly recognition through material wealth, prestige, intellectual acumen, and even “relationship goals” have us chasing endlessly for things that do not even matter in the end, and will not even last. We busy ourselves updating the world about what we are up to, what we have achieved so far, and how great our life is, that we ignore our current realities, the people around us, and what is eternal.
But as followers of Jesus, we are assured that we do not need to chase any of these worldly things. This is because we are chosen by God, and redeemed by Jesus Christ. No matter how unworthy we may seem to the world, we can rest assured that we do not have to prove anything to anyone, and that we should only aim to please God.
Let us read this passage from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians:
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
When we keep on pursuing what this world tells us to run after, we are bound to fail and get frustrated. We are bound to get hurt when people fail us, we are bound to get disappointed when we do not achieve what the world expects us to achieve.
But scripture tells us that if we ever need to chase anything, then it is the truth, The truth about God, what He tells us, and what He needs us to do. When we put Him as our top priority, everything else will follow.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
When we are aware of God’s presence in our lives, we will be more sensitive to His leading. We will discern what He wants us to do, and we will have the courage to pursue it even if it runs contrary to what is in vogue. We will rest assured that our Sovereign King will carry us through where He wants us to be, and so we will truck on, endure, and pursue His mission for us.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
When we stop chasing the things that this world offers, we get to enjoy the good God has long planned to bless us with.
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11
At the end of the day, our Heavenly Father only wants what is best for us — the things that money cannot buy, and the world can never take away. These include God’s guidance and presence in our lives, the peace of knowing that we are right with God which in turn gives us peace and joy that transcends inevitable difficulties. Then of course meaningful moments shared with loved ones and friends, and good memories of us lovingly etched in our loved ones’ hearts that they will remember long after we have gone off towards eternal life.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on 1 Corinthians 1:24-31 and Psalm 84:8-12 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you chasing after the tangible pursuits this world offers?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for your loving assurance that you chose me in spite of my imperfections. That you redeemed me, and gave me a new lease on life. Allow me to always tap on this truth whenever the world seems to dictate untruths that rob me of my true worth. Give me the grace to hold on to my new identity as a child of God, capable of doing Your will. Amen.
