I would like to start by saying that this is simply something
that has been tagged onto my own heart. I first felt compelled to write this
some 3 months ago but shied away from it out of fear and disobedience. I would
also like to say right away that I do not know the answer to the posed
question. If Jesus was here right now I would most definitely think that He
would be given a pair of Baldwins, either by the makers themselves, or by one
of the dear owners of a pair that is also a disciple of Jesus Christ. I will
say that I doubt very highly He would stake out to get a pair. For readers that
have no idea what Baldwins are, they are designer raw denim jeans that are
manufactured in my hometown of Kansas City, MO. American made! Can you believe
it? They cost on average, roughly $250 a pair, and to be honest they are really freaking
cool and I want a pair. If I can fix the root reason in my heart as to why I
want a pair I may one day get that pair, but now let’s look at that root
problem in my heart.
At the core I want a pair so I can gain respect or
acceptance of sorts from some of my friends as I tell them I am rocking raw
denim Baldwins. Watch them nod in approval or compliment me on my choice. Let
girls know that not only do I have good choice in style but that I can afford
it. Maybe I even want to hold it over some people’s heads that aren’t even
aware of what raw denim is and how cool it is. Y’all see where my flesh is
going with this? As I try and convince myself of all the positives of getting a
pair: the perfect fit, support local business, the durability, whatever it may be,
the reality is those reasons are far from the actual reasons I REALLY want
them.
I have always enjoyed nice new things but recently as I have
gotten a new job with more financial stability I find myself longing to find
acceptance in my appearance and my stuff more than anything. Buying new clothes
I do not need, looking into my wardrobe with more than enough stuff and
thinking I don’t have anything to wear. What the heck? Am I really falling into
the black hole of the American dream? As I looked over my life a few months back I was
shocked. I was striving to be the best in my job, so I can move up, make more
money, buy nicer clothes, get a better car, and land a smoking hot wife because
she thinks I am successful. All of this is worthless stuff that could be gone
so fast by something out of my control. I need to be working to be the best in
my job so I can glorify God and be a witness of His goodness.
The reality is this, it's materialism and it’s all super lame. I am called to
find my acceptance in Jesus and nothing else. I am called to give to the poor,
my first fruits, my best and lots of it. How fast I would be to give Jesus the
shirt off of my back if He needed it but how slow I would be to even consider it
if a homeless drug addict asked me on the street. So often I seek the approval
of others, especially those that I admire or consider cool. I get so caught up
in the American dream I lose focus of simply loving Jesus, loving others and
making disciples. I find myself constantly looking back to the cross and asking
Jesus for mercy. He is the only thing that remains constant and never changing.
He promises to provide anything and everything I will need and because of that
I don’t have to seek the approval of others and I don’t have to do this on my
own. What good news! It won’t be easy, probably more challenging than
you would think but the truth is, finding life in Christ, will be the most
rewarding.
"For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." - 1 John 2:16-17
"And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’" - Matthew 25:40
“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If
that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today,
and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe
you - you of little faith!" - Luke 12:27-28
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10
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