By Alison Feinauer
My son came home sick from school. That same day I was already going to get his phone fixed because of a cracked screen. After doing the math to replace the screen vs. upgrading to a newer phone, it was a better investment to get a newer (but not the latest) phone. When I came home to him, I gave him the new(er) phone. He was thankful but since he didn’t feel well, it didn’t really show.
The next day, he was feeling much better and could go to school. Before he left I said, “I hope they don’t think you were sick but still went out and got a new phone.” Then I paused. I couldn’t believe this was coming out of my mouth. I never want to be putting ideas in my son’s head about what others might “think.” Then I caught myself and said, “Who cares what they think, we know the truth.” My son said, “God knows the truth.” I said, “Yeah, we have an audience of One. Only what He thinks matters.”
I know this is a minor example, but what really popped up was about pleasing God and not man. How many times do we make decisions, volunteer/serve, post things just to please other people or uphold our image? I know I fall into this trap way more than I want to admit. I’m reminded that God is the one who judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart, and I can trust him to know me fully. I know I have discontentment, pride, deceit, greed, vanity, and much more in me that pops up here and there. I trust that God is working to prune that out of my heart as I draw nearer to him.
I’m thankful for these little lessons and reminders about Jesus and the way He loves us. God wants us to worship Him alone, not other people’s opinions. He cuts through all the world’s burdens and anxiety in exchange for peace and confidence in Him, if we let Him.
Father, I’m sorry for the times I’ve put what others think before what you think. I know that you search me and know me and will help me live to please only you. You are the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are behind us and before us. You are for us. You are in us. You are in control, and we can trust you. Help me remember every moment I live to thank you for those around us who help us remember this. Please forgive me for the idols I’ve put before you. I want to worship and please you alone. Help me do that. I need you. Amen
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
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