Beyond Worldly Lures

"They drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments; but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph." Amos 6:6

In this world exists an elite class to which membership gives no lasting honor. A class that neither labors, cultivates, nor generates goodness, yet produces much of the nation's ills. I do not long to join its ranks.

However, another class, a true nobility, exists among whose ranks I would gladly join—men of deep reverence, and women of graceful dignity, who look up instead of out, inward at themselves, then downward to Holy Writ.

I yearn for a society much loftier than those who satiate themselves with the finest cuts and choicest wines, with the trappings of luxury and excessive power. I would pray to be freed from such superficialities and trivialities, the folly of fleeting trends, and the arrogance of pride.

I would even wish for a taste of the hardships of God's people over the caprice of man's empty praise. I would rather bear the burden of Christ's cross than be crowned with the piercing thorns of this world's honors. I would share in the sufferings of Jesus' followers. For no worldly pleasure can rival the glory of these divine tribulations.

Ultimately, I yearn to rise above this world and perpetually seek the things which are above. "Grace and glory," John Bunyan says, are the gospel's lures. After all, 'milk and honey' enticed six hundred thousand out of Egypt.

Earthly lures lose their shine over time. And if they don't, my eyes will eventually grow dim to their luster as my sun sets. This world's glittering prizes are fleeting and illusory. Only the one who sells all to buy the Pearl of Great Price finds everlasting treasure stored up in heaven waiting for them, where moth and rust are no more, and thieves are barred from its gate.

Gracious Father, make me like unto Thy Son, and inscribe my undeserving name in the ranks of Thy noble ones.