Part 4 of 5

I love my DVR!  I like to set it to record my favorite shows, and then I can watch them whenever I want to.  I also skip the commercials.  My television shows revolve around me.  I also like Starbucks – where I can order a double grande skinny vanilla latte in a venti cup.  Starbucks is known for making coffee-drinks any way you want them.  My coffee shop revolves around me.  Using iTunes and an iPod, I can buy and listen to virtually any song ever published, within seconds of clicking a button.  My music revolves around me.  When I open up the Amazon Online Store, it recognizes that I’ve purchased things from them before, and immediately customizes their site to feature similar things that I might like to buy.  My bookstore revolves around me.  I certainly take advantage of these conveniences, but the Bible cautions me not to become overly concerned with them.

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.  Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” (Galatians 5:25, NLT)

It’s easy for me to forget that the world doesn’t really revolve around me.  I’m not here to chase my own happiness or custom-build a perfect life.  When Jesus walked on earth, he didn’t seek easy experiences.  Instead he confronted the establishment, rescued us from sin, carried his cross, and died in agony from the world’s sinful choices.  In everything, Jesus brought glory to God the Father.

No matter how much I can customize my life on earth, no matter how much happiness or convenience I pursue, it’s all meaningless and empty.  For God’s purpose is so much larger.  It’s not about me; His purpose is all about Him: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NLT)

As we walk through our sinful world, may we reject the world’s idea of happiness through selfishness, and embrace a life that seeks but one sole purpose: the glory of God.