Have you ever seen something or someone from far away and you were so confident in what you saw only to laugh about how wrong you were when you got closer? I do this a lot late at night when I'm driving. I'll think I see something until I get closer and discover that I have mistaken that object for something else. I feel like we as people do that with emotions and feelings. We mistake the emotions God placed in us for something that we think can be fulfilled with or in a job, a substance, an activity, or another person. We mistake the yearning we have to know, love, and serve God for something else. Our hearts are tricked and we buy into the lie the world sells us. We settle for something less... less than the shadow of the real thing.
I've done this my whole life. If only I where popular then I'd be happy. If only I drank more alcohol, did more drugs, had sex, etc then I'd be happy... satisfied... content. Found out that was all wrong. Then it was: if only I was done with school. If only I had a job. If only I could go on vacation... spend more time with friends... have more things to do. Entertainment is a distraction. We are not here to be entertained. I forget this all the time. I selfishly seek fun and happiness instead of submission and obedience to God's Kingdom. I am here to glorify the Lord, spread the news of His son Jesus the Christ, and make disciples. I am not here to make money, start a family, have a certain career, and keep myself entertained. Some of those things may be part of God's plan along the way but they are not to be mistaken for the main purpose or the goal.
Lord don't let my heart be fooled by the temptations of this world or powers outside of this world. Help me remember and stay focused on loving and serving You and others. Help me to glorify Your name and Your Kingdom. Help me to be obedient to Your will. Mold my heart and change my ways.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
- Matthew 6:33
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