What has the most influence?
Yesterday, I found myself pondering a simple yet profound question, "What holds more sway over our actions - money or love?" As someone who has experienced the highs and lows of both, I've had my fair share of moments that I'm not particularly proud of. But haven't we all?
This introspection was sparked by an encounter at the mall. A young woman, working in an open booth, wore an expression of defeat. It was clear she didn't want to be there, but necessity demanded her presence. In that moment, I realized she had compromised her values for the sake of financial gain.
This isn't an isolated incident. Many people enter industries like sex work or drug trafficking due to financial desperation, becoming numb to their values and prioritizing the pursuit of wealth. The teachings from Sunday school are often overshadowed by more immediate needs or desires.
But what about love?
During a recent trip to Target, I noticed the women around me were dressed as if they were about to be discovered by a talent scout. In contrast, I was in sweats, sporting a goatee, and didn't even check if my shirt was on the right way. It reminded me of a conversation with a woman who spent considerable time getting ready each day, in case she met her soulmate, even if she was just going to Wal-Mart.But where does God fit into this equation?
It's evident that we often compromise our values for love or money. But do we make the same concessions for our faith? Do we serve our selfish desires or follow the teachings of Jesus?In Revelation 2:4-5, it is written, "thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works." It's a reminder of the time when our faith was the most important aspect of our lives, when we willingly made sacrifices for Jesus.
I urge you to reflect on your actions. Every action serves a purpose or a person. Take a moment each day to examine your motivations. Who or what are your actions serving?
As Revelation 2:23 states, "I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works." So, who holds the reins to your heart - money, love, or Jesus?
Keywords: Influence, Money, Love, Faith, Values, Sacrifice, Revelation, Actions, Motivations, Jesus.
This really made me stop to ponder. Thank you!
ReplyDelete-mikkoaladyname
"In everything a person does, it is in service to something or someone. Every action has a cause. "
ReplyDeleteRight on! If we see our actions as service that gives us the right perspective. Who do we serve? What is the source, the motivation, the cause of even the little things?
Mark 9:41 "Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward."
The floods here in Australia impacted me in a way I'm not all that proud of....coz I had to ask myself this question....how would I feel if I had to abandon my home, knowing I could have nothing salvaged from it on my return. I gotta say, it gave me that "sinking feeling". I'm working on a video about it....coz it gave me lots of food for thought....what is more important, God or mammon...that kind of stuff. Yikes!!
ReplyDeletePenelope