Daily devotional, Jun 19, 2024 Rankings
"Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Romans 12:2
We live in a society that values ranking. We automatically put a premium on ratings and how high a person, endeavor, or an object could get ahead of his or its counterparts. And while all these mindset screams of striving for excellence, it can also drive others to despair, performance anxiety, unhealthy comparisons, and oftentimes, unhealthy pursuits.
As followers of Jesus, we are being reminded to not concern ourselves too much with what the world could think of us like our achievements and what our hands can hold. What we should think of, and value are things that are of eternal value, the things that can endure.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rustdestroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21
In His last days, the Apostle Paul wrote to his protege, Timothy about encouraging him to remain focused in his ministry, which is spreading the Gospel of salvation. As present day followers of Jesus, we can also take courage from this letter, as we pursue a life devoid of unhealthy goals and worthless priorities.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8
So in this current world, what are considered things of eternal value and worthwhile pursuits? Well, it could mean different things to different people but for those seeking and enjoying Christ’s presence in their lives, these pursuits have a common denominator. That common denominator is seeking the Lord in everything and in every situation. Living a life of worship.
For instance, for mothers like us it would mean nudging our little ones towards the direction of Christ Jesus. Introducing the Messiah to them, and bringing them by His feet. This means teaching them about Jesus, making faith-related conversations a common topic of discussion at home, and bringing them to Church and Sunday School, and surrounding them with friends from families who are also seeking God’s presence.
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Parents like us must pursue worthwhile endeavors that do not just bring food to the table and financial security to the family.
Foremost in our list should be helping our kids know the God that will give them eternal life. We will not forever be by their side to guide them through all the challenges they will meet, so it is never too early to teach them about Jesus, faith and salvation.
And in this world desperate for love, attention, and assurance, teaching our children that there is a God that will love them no matter how high they rank, could accept them for who they are, and could forgive their past, present, and future failures whatever those may be, is a seed of faith that would allow them to be resilient in life.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9
When we raise them to be knowledgeable of Jesus’ teachings, we get to protect them from the natural consequences of sin. When we open their eyes to Biblical values, and help them discover and follow Biblical wisdom, we get to impart to them an inheritance that endures. An inheritance that they could even pass on to their children, and grandchildren.
Faith in Jesus is the best thing that we can impart on our children. And modeling a life of worship to our one true God will cement our message that loving and pleasing God should be the number one pursuit of our life.
"But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 19:14
More than pushing our children to be on top of their classes, we should push them towards the direction where they will meet Christ. Whether it is helping them build a relationship with Him, teaching them to read the bible, or exposing them to praise songs, what is important is we know that our end goal is to bring them to Jesus and train them to grow in Christlikeness.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Timothy 4:1-8 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: hat do you value most in life?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for allowing me to be in Your presence. Empower me to bring my children to your feet, and keep our eyes focused just on you and in living a life of worship. Amen.
