The number of ways in which the bible is at odds with society would take weeks to list - so I will focus on only one of those ways today. One of the top priorities of Hollywood and Washington has always been notoriety. In the absence of good publicity, they will often settle for bad just to get their names in the media. And let's face it, by snatching up the tabloids and staying glued to the entertainment channel, we foster, encourage and subsidize this media frenzy. The competition to make the opening story on E! or be first to interview on the red carpet has transformed into an obsession and, quite possible, an addiction.
God suggests that we go the opposite direction. We are not to let people know when we fast, when we pray, or when we give to charity. We should not seek notoriety, acclaim or popularity. You see, when we seek those things we are effectively saying that the opinions of our fellow man are the top priority in our lives. We are stating for all to see that what others think of us is where we get our validation and our gratification. External validation is a dangerous and slippery thing. When we rely on other people to determine our value and worth we set ourselves up for failure, pain and humiliation.
Yet this is exactly what society tells us to do. We are warned that we are constantly judged on our hair, our deodorant, our mouthwash, our cologne, our shoes & clothes, the car we drive, the house we live in and what kind of toys we buy.
When we learn to resist this pressure and start looking inward and upward for our validation, we grow and mature in ways that are not possible when we are consumed by appearances. Mansions and the finest clothing ever seen is being prepared for us. We are heirs of the ruler of the universe and children of the King. We are envied by angels and can command the minions of the enemy. It is time that we start remembering this - and acting on it.
blessings on your day
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