Verse of the Day - Revelation 3:17

You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. ~ Revelation 3:17 (NIV)

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Bling is everywhere, isn't it? It's on our cars, our clothes, our jewelry, even our teeth! People show off their pride and money with great pomp and circumstance, and many feel they are "in like Flint" because of it. Like the old show, "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" or new shows, like "Growing Up Gotti" or "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane" -- they highlight the lives of flashy people with lots of money. But all that glitters is not gold, is it?

I've tuned in to a few of these reality shows of the rich and famous, and so often it's just CHAOS! Out of control, bizarre, running wild, throwing tantrums...you name it when it comes to bad attitudes and behavior. Is this what money does to people? If so, I'm content with my little middle income life! I'll keep my little Hyundai and my 2-bedroom condo in my average suburban neighborhood and my shoe-string budget.

But it's not really the money that turns people into bizarre fodder for reality shows. It's the worship of that bling and all that money can buy. It's thinking that if you have money, you don't need God. It's turning your nose up at the One who is the Giver of all, thinking you acquired it all yourself. Pride and idolatry is what Jesus was warning the Laodacian church about -- it's what He warns us about today.

When we think we don't need God, it doesn't matter how much glitz we have -- we're really just smelly vagabonds with ragged clothes and no deodorant! But with Jesus, we are RICH! Rich where it really counts, in our hearts and in His Kingdom. Rich in God's love and grace! Rich in freedom from sin! Rich in wisdom from above! Rich in kindness and good deeds!

There are reality shows that highlight a godly perspective of treating people with kindness, of using what God gives you to help others in need, of not being afraid to get dirty to the benefit of others. Try watching "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" -- your heart will be warmed at the outpouring of love and care for those in need. A lot of money, sweat and tears are poured out to help needy families -- from the production company to the sponsors to the communities where these families live. And lives are changed for the good. And may God get all the glory for their godly example! (I tear up just thinking about it now, and it's not even on my TV!)

Worship God, not your money...or anyone else's money, for that matter. It's just money -- to be used for God's purposes, as He sees fit -- not to puff ourselves up. If we get too puffed up, we might just explode like an overinflated balloon. And that is not pretty, my friends, not pretty at all.

Love,
Joelene