A Higher Authority

“Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy.”

– Leviticus 20: 7-8

If you shop for groceries or cook, chances are you’ve seen them a thousand times — those special symbols on food packaging that certify its contents as kosher (literally “fit to eat”).

According to kosher food blogger Giora Shimoni, kosher food is prepared according to Jewish dietary laws, which are rules and regulations derived from Old Testament laws and rabbinical extensions to ensure quality, cleanliness, and safety. Hebrew National — a well-known brand of hotdogs — has a slogan that sums up its call to be kosher: We Answer to a Higher Authority.

Christ-followers do, too — and not just for food. Although we’re not bound by the strict Old Testament dietary laws that the Israelites followed, we still must remember that we worship a God of the highest standards. He wants us to lead healthy, Spirit-filled lives and maintain spiritually-healthy homes. And moreover, he expects us to keep our distance from the world’s anything-goes philosophy. We’re called to live differently rather than blend in.

It’s in 1 Timothy that the apostle Paul presents his three-pronged strategy for accomplishing this mission. First, he says men must recognize the dangers of overestimating their ability to endure temptation and sin, the twin maladies that can wreak havoc on our homes and families. Even King David — whom God called a man after His own heart — suffered the devastating consequences from his adulterous affair with another man’s wife. Paul’s point is that there are situations where it’s best to simply turn and run. We must therefore pick our battles with care.

On the other hand, there are some things we should pursue rather than flee — a perspective that tends to flummox society. For example, the world tells us to do whatever it takes to gain wealth and success. But since riches and fame can disappear in an instant, it’s actually our relationship with God and our family that must be our top priorities.

Lastly, Paul tells us what’s worth fighting for. If we’re not careful, our homes can suffer from the gradual — and often imperceptible — moral and spiritual erosion caused by the onslaught of modern culture. Indeed, we can find ourselves fighting outside the home while failing to lead the way for our family.

Flee, pursue and fight. As Christ-followers, we’re called by our Creator to do just that on the way to building and maintaining Spirit-filled homes — and keeping them kosher. We’re the people he chose before the foundation of the world to live out his standards. And it’s why every Believer answers to a Higher Authority.

The Enemy Within

“This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites.” And it was done, as the Lord commanded Moses.

– Leviticus 16:34

If you’re a current or former smoker, no one has to tell you how hard it is to quit the habit. As the famous author and humorist Mark Twain once said: 

“To cease smoking is the easiest thing I ever did; I ought to know because I have done it a thousand times.”

The same goes for Christ-followers when it comes to sin and temptation. Even though we’ve accepted Jesus as our Savior, asked him for forgiveness, and then received it, we still tend to fall back into those bad habits that we thought we’d left far behind.

But doesn’t the Bible reveal that we’re a new creation once we’ve put our faith in Jesus?

It does. But the transformation from our old selves is a work in progress that’s on God’s timetable. It’s also a change that takes place little by little, day after day along our faith journey. Moreover, the journey’s pathway is narrow, twisting, and full of unexpected hairpin curves. And we can end up in a ditch if we don’t keep our eyes on the destination.

That doesn’t mean we’re failures as Christ-followers. Let’s consider a life lesson taught by Paul — the apostle, who wrote much of the New Testament. In Romans 7:15, Paul complains that he continues to do the very things he despises. And at the same time, he fails to do the things he knows he should accomplish. 

Paul’s familiar struggles were nothing less than spiritual warfare … the same ugly conflict that we all fight every day. What’s more, it’s an important reminder that sin must be dealt with before we can dwell with God. But Paul also conveys this reassurance to every Believer:

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” he tells us, “because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”

It’s good news that means we’re now liberated from sin’s power. And since we don’t have to accept its dominance in our lives, what’s most important is our trust in Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross. So, when we inevitably give in to temptation and bad habits, we can freely ask for help from the One who has already paid the ultimate price for our many sins — past, present … and future.

All that Glitters

“These are the regulations concerning animals, birds, every living thing that moves about in the water and every creature that moves along the ground. You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.”

– Leviticus 11:46-47

All that glitters is not gold. 

Popularized by Shakespeare, this familiar phrase warns that attractive appearances can be misleading — and that not everything that seems valuable on the surface is truly precious. Likewise, when it comes to gold jewelry, what you see isn’t always what you get.

Most gold jewelry is marked with a karat rating of 10k, 14k, or 18k, with the larger numbers indicating higher corresponding purities of the precious metal. But since the purest gold (like 24k) is very soft — and very expensive — metallurgists mix gold with other metals, so the resulting alloy will endure everyday wear and tear. One of the most popular ratings, 18-karat, is 75% gold mixed with a 25% alloy of silver, copper, or both. A lower-purity gold with a more affordable price tag is 14-karat. And then there’s 10-karat gold — generally the lowest purity that can still be referred to as gold. About 60% of a 10-karat gold ring represents metals other than that precious metal. And last comes the gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry that’s often sold on cable shopping channels and the internet.

People — much like gold rings and bracelets — can also look dazzling to the untrained eye. Jesus, however, has no trouble spotting cheap imitations and showy, overpriced pieces that aren’t what they seem. The Gospels reveal that Christ aimed some of his most stinging criticisms at the so-called religious people who said all the right things, appeared to be spiritual, and made a show when giving their weekly offerings. God’s holiness should have touched every part of their lives. But beneath their shiny veneer was the ugly base metal of their hearts:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites,” Jesus proclaimed in Matthew 23:27. “You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean.”

It’s likely that Christ would also describe some 21st century churchgoers as hypocrites. But there’s good news for those who truly desire transformation and a new life through faith in The Savior. God specializes in forming beautiful and useful examples of his handiwork from raw materials exposed to the intense heat of life’s difficulties. And it’s when life gets super-hot that our impurities are burned away. Such trials by fire leave only high-quality gold — the precious metal that’s pure and pliable enough to be formed into the effective Christ-followers that our Creator both values and desires.

     

Road Warriors

Moses did as the Lord commanded him, and the assembly gathered at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

– Leviticus 8:4

Think your daily commute is rough? 

Even if you’ve braved the infamous rush hours in Atlanta, Northern Virginia, New York City, or Los Angeles, count your blessings that you don’t drive in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The average daily commute in that South American metropolis lasts nearly two hours. And on peak periods, such as Friday evenings, traffic jams can stretch 112 miles.

Sao Paulo residents ("Paulistos") cope the best they can as the gridlock consumes their free time. But a sense of helplessness leaves many of these road warriors feeling angry, exhausted, and depressed. This quote from one frazzled commuter says it all:

"I feel useless, like I am a prisoner," complains Andreia de Oliveira, an architect who spends between two and three hours each day going to and from work. "I could be at the gym, studying, at home relaxing. But instead, I am stressed and frustrated."

Maybe you haven’t had to endure that level of bumper-to-bumper traffic. However, it’s likely that at one time or another, you’ve felt like things have spiraled out of control. And perhaps you feel like that today. But believe it or not, God happens to be in control of the situation.

God’s sovereignty over circumstances — and everything else, for that matter — is a fundamental concept every Christ-follower should embrace. But one reason we don't is because we can't see the big picture. We don’t know the life-changing people and situations he’ll introduce to our existence. Likewise, we don’t have his vantage point of knowing what’s around the corner and miles up the road. And obviously, it’s hard for us to see a greater purpose in our lives when we're going through the pain of unemployment, lingering illness, family problems ... and even death. 

It’s amidst such chaos that our Creator delivers this assurance:

"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you,” he proclaims. “Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Have things gone haywire in your life? If not, they will eventually. But don’t lose hope. God cares for each of us and even invites us to be his sons and daughters through a personal relationship with his own Son, Jesus Christ. With this Good News in mind, let’s consider these words of healing and hope from Isaiah 26:3 — a timeless promise of tranquility meant for Christ-followers like you and me:

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Dirty Laundry

“And as a penalty they must bring to the priest, that is, to the Lord, their guilt offering, a ram from the flock, one without defect and of the proper value. In this way the priest will make atonement for them before the Lord, and they will be forgiven for any of the things they did that made them guilty.”

– Leviticus 6:6-7

Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

It’s a familiar saying that appears nowhere in the Bible, but many believe it’s the Gospel truth. We start or end most days with a hot shower or bath. We stock our bathrooms with antibacterial soaps. And we buy costly laundry detergents and bleaches promising brilliant whites and vivid colors. It all adds up to a global soap and detergent industry generating combined annual revenues exceeding $280 billion.

Our desire to stay clean seems to be hard-wired into our DNA. But this intense longing covers much more than our face and hands. We also want to be just as clean on the inside. That means a clean heart, a clean conscience, and a clean spirit. And what we want most is a clean start in life.

But in the earliest chapters of the Bible, we read that mankind chose to turn its back on God and do its own thing. We decided to live our lives on our own terms and ignore the One who made us, knows us, and loves us. And by disobeying God, we destroyed our perfect environment and became soiled with a black spot on our souls that the strongest detergent can never remove. 

“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin,” pleaded King David, the one called a man after God’s own heart.

It’s this same plea that we should offer up to God every day. However, access to God is costly, and He’s holy while people are not. The good news is that our Creator long ago responded to our helplessness in a most miraculous way. But it wasn’t by devising some sort of payment plan for all the damage we’ve done to our own lives and to others. The cost was much too high for that.

Instead, God chose to pay the price himself through the death of his only Son, Jesus Christ. So, as predicted centuries earlier in the Old Testament, He came to earth in the form of a helpless infant, grew up, and lived a faultless, sin-free life. Later, He was unjustly executed although He’d done no wrong.

Christ’s crucifixion was grossly unfair. But there was no other way to fully pay the penalty that we alone deserve. He was the perfect sacrifice, who came to earth to make us right with God. For you and me, it means when we put our faith in Jesus as our Savior, God sees us as spotless and blameless like his Son. All we need to do is accept this free — yet incredibly costly — gift of grace.

“I, the LORD, invite you to come and talk it over,” says our Creator through the book of Isaiah. “Your sins are scarlet red, but they will be whiter than snow or wool.”

Now’s the time to wash our dirty laundry ... and come clean with God.

Elephants and Angels

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

– Luke 24: 31-32

There's an old story about three blindfolded men, who were asked to touch and identify an undisclosed object. And that object happened to be a live African elephant.

The first man touched the elephant's muscular trunk. The second man grasped its boney tale. And the third man — moving his hands across the beast's rugged hide — marveled at the rough texture. Although a 10,000-pound elephant was right in front of them, all three failed to see the big picture.

Many people these days also miss the big picture when it comes to spiritual matters. And that's even true for some long-time Christ-followers. So, to correct this shortsightedness, God has throughout history communicated his message in several ways, including through prophets, Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and of course his Son, Jesus.

God also uses angels to help spread the word. These beings are his special messengers who can appear in broad daylight, remain invisible, or communicate through dreams. The Bible advises us to remain hospitable because we might be entertaining angels without even knowing it.

Angelic messages are much more than words of conversation. Instead, they’re words that change eternity. It's in Luke’s gospel that we read about the angel Gabriel, who told an obscure girl named Mary that she’d soon give birth to the Savior of mankind. In a dream, an angel informed Joseph (Mary's fiancé) that the Holy Spirit had caused her pregnancy. Likewise, angels announced the Good News of Jesus' birth to shepherds, who’d seen a brilliant star in the sky marking the Christ-child’s location in Bethlehem.

It's through these revelations and confirmations that God has opened eyes and healed spiritual blindness — and not just in a tiny village somewhere in the Middle East 2,000 years ago. His big picture message continues to appear today … and unfold to the entire world. 

It's the reality that's right before our eyes. But first, we must be willing to see it. So, here’s the BIG question for you and me: Are we spiritually aware of how Jesus is revealing Himself in both small ways and large? 

That’s the elephant in the room.

City of Joy

He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

– Luke 23:25

Our nation is divided politically, affordable housing is scarce, and the cost of living is on the rise. It’s hard to think of anything to feel joyous about these days. However, millions around the world would do just about anything to trade places with us. That’s because even the poorest of our fellow citizens are considered rich (at least statistically) when compared with the rest of humanity. And despite its many imperfections, inequities, and injustices, America the Beautiful is still the Land of Opportunity.

If that thought doesn’t brighten your day, maybe the City of Joy will put things in perspective. In his book of the same name, author Dominique Lapierre wrote about Anand Nagar (The City of Joy), which is a slum in the center of Kolkata, India. Its residents are of different castes and religions, but they help each other unceasingly amidst grinding poverty and injustice. As one book critic observed, Lapierre met people there who possessed nothing — yet seemed to have everything.

The City of Joy is a place where the innocent thrive on poverty because of their zest for life and freedom from care. In fact, Lapierre found more heroism, joy, and happiness in the Indian slums than in many cities of the affluent West. The residents’ unlikely perspective on life turned a place of darkness into a City of Joy.

It was 2,000 years earlier that Jesus called his disciples the Light of the World. And that’s still his vision for you and me today. Through our faith in Christ, we have access to our Creator — a loving Father who hears our prayers and looks for ways to bless us. So, no matter how dire our situation may be, we already know that our story will end on a very positive note. 

Every Believer is called to reach the world with our Savior’s joyous message of grace, light, and joy. Likewise, we’re to show compassion and convey truth to a broken, dark, and unjust world. As Proverbs 31: 8-9 directs us:

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Celebrate!

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

– Isaiah 43:19

What is it that every Bible-believing church in the world will celebrate this weekend — and every weekend to come?

It’s the radical notion that God loves his creation so much that he sent his only Son to personally pay for the mess we’ve all made of our lives and a once unspoiled creation. With this immense price now cleared from our individual accounts, every believer — through their faith in Jesus Christ — is free to serve as his hands and feet throughout the community and even the world.

But Christ-followers are in a predicament these days. Relativism rules America, and that which is obviously right or wrong is no longer considered so black and white. Popular culture brands those who believe in Jesus and his teachings as old-fashioned and intolerant. And those who dare to point out our nation’s retreat from God are labeled as bigots, hate-mongers, or similar monikers. 

The world really is upside down. For example, it’s actually a career move for many celebrities, musicians, and sports stars when they break the law and go to jail. But if a Christ-follower — real or in name only — slips up and does something wrong, the word hypocrite quickly follows through the media.

Of course, Christ-followers should be happy to plead guilty to holding some narrow and politically incorrect beliefs. One is that Jesus is the one and only way to God. Ultimately, the world’s false philosophies and religions fall far short of our Creator’s standards. And that’s Good News that the world curses and can’t tolerate. 

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,” responds God, “who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”

Although there’s bad news all around us, it’s particularly reassuring to know that God continues to do a new thing through Christ-followers around the world. Likewise, Jesus encourages every Believer to continue being salt and light to a distorted world in need of guidance, truth, and character. People are watching to see if our words match our deeds. May it be that we celebrate the Good News through changed lives marked with love in action! 

Time to Reflect

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!”

– Luke 22: 20-22

It takes just a tiny point of reflected light from a telescope’s mirror to clarify our understanding of the universe. But when there’s a barrier — such as the earth’s atmosphere in the case of astronomy — we can be fooled by the resulting distorted image. This principle also applies to our daily walk of faith. After all, if we can’t see where we’re going, we can veer off the path and wind up in a ditch. So, let’s consider Jesus’ famous solution to this dilemma in John 8:12:

“I am the light of the world,” he proclaims. “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

It’s a reminder that our lives should always reflect Jesus’ love in action. Unfortunately, the world says we must beat the competition, climb the corporate ladder, and keep up with our neighbors. We also need the biggest, the fastest, and the shiniest. And most of all, it’s not bragging if we can back it up. But Christ’s concise message to us is starkly different: 

To be first, we must be last.

This sheds a new light on things … and that’s just the point. After all, how much better would society be if Christ-followers were to adopt a servant’s attitude and put the interests of others before their own?

Jesus answered this question through his own example. Although he was God’s only Son, he entered the world in the humblest of circumstances — a birth among farm animals in a filthy stable. And as he grew up, he learned to make a common-man’s living as a carpenter. Of course, Jesus could have lived in splendor as the King of Kings. But instead, he chose a nomadic existence for teaching the Good News of salvation to undeserving people like you and me.

How can we mirror Christ through our own lives? Jesus says it all starts by putting our faith in him as our Savior. As he explained to Nicodemus, a respected religious leader of the day, we must all be born again:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,” John 3:16 tells us, “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

The fact is that we are nothing without Jesus … and we can do even less by ourselves. But when we surrender our will to God’s plan — even in the most difficult moments — it’s through this brilliant Light of the World that we find our purpose in life. Let’s reflect on that.

 

The Law of the Seed

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

– Matthew 21: 10-11

In 2005, National Geographic reported that Israeli researchers had grown a 3-foot date palm sapling from 2,000-year-old seeds discovered at Masada, an ancient mountainside fortress captured by the Romans in A.D. 73.

Isn’t that amazing? Tiny seeds — dried up and dead since Jesus’ day — were literally born again centuries later into a vibrant young tree. Who knew those dormant seeds held so much potential?

It’s the perfect illustration of a biblical principal called The Law of the Seed. It states that harvesting and sowing take place in different seasons, and it takes both patience, and the death of the original seed, to produce new life. In other words, life follows death — not the other way around. And Jesus lived that out through his perfect, sin-free life. After completing his three-year ministry to save the world, he willingly died on a cross to pay the enormous price for all our sins — past, present and future. It was then he proved that he was indeed God’s Son by being raised again to life. This fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and convinced many of his disciples that they were following the right person all along. 

How does The Law of the Seed apply to 21st century Christ-followers like you and me? It sounds strange, but we all must choose to die. Of course, that doesn’t mean being nailed to a cross and earning our own salvation because Jesus already did that to pay our way. But it does mean dying to our selfish desires and dying to sin. For example, instead of spending all our free time in front of a video screen, we could spend some of it imitating Jesus by feeding the hungry, tutoring a child (or adult) to read, running errands for shut-ins, and generally helping the less fortunate. The possibilities are endless.

Let’s ask ourselves: Are we welcoming the REAL risen Jesus into our lives, or do we expect him to fit our own agendas? The Law of the Seed — personified through Christ’s own words and example — reveals that it’s through dying that we’ll find life.

 

Giving from the Heart

The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.

– 1 Chronicles 29:9

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease (CVD) takes over 940,000 lives each year as the nation’s leading cause of death. The AHA also reports that roughly 50% of adults have some form of cardiovascular disease, and that a heart attack occurs about every 40 seconds in the U.S.

It’s obvious that America is dealing with a major health crisis. But there’s another serious heart problem that doesn’t involve cigarettes, cholesterol management, or low-fat diets: 

It’s that far too many Christ-followers lack a heart that’s willing to give according to the resources God has presented them. They might not be wealthy, but these Believers have something to offer. And when they do open their wallets, it’s often done grudgingly. But the biblical principle is for you and me to be generous with our money and possessions. That’s because we worship a God of generosity, and we should follow His example.

A related precept is the tithe, which means giving the first 10% of our income back to God through our local church. Of course, the One who created the universe with a word hardly needs our money. But embracing this savvy practice is immensely beneficial. For example, tithing helps the church serve the community, nation — and even the world — by turning the Good News about Jesus into tangible actions. Such purposeful giving also helps Christ-followers grow spiritually and demonstrate how much we differ from society. Moreover, it’s a declaration of our trust in God.

Why do many Christ-followers fail to give to their potential? For some, it’s a lack of sound biblical teaching on the matter. For others, it might be a lack of financial planning or even debt issues. And unfortunately, basic selfishness often figures into the equation.

Whether we’re rich or poor — or somewhere in the middle — being generous with our money and possessions is the antidote to worldly materialism. And when we give Jesus some of it, He can do lots with it … and with us along the way. So, with that in mind, let’s take this confirmation from Deuteronomy 15:10 to heart:

Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

A Dollar Saved

She went and told Elisha. And the prophet said to her, “Go, sell the oil and pay what you owe. You and your sons can live on what is left.”

– 2 Kings 4:7

“Money in the bank is like toothpaste in the tube,” writer Earl Wilson once quipped. “Easy to take out, hard to put back.”

He makes a good point. After all, ours is a buy-now-pay-later culture. And if an unexpected expense (or the latest smart gadget) comes along, it’s second nature for us to put it on a maxed-out credit card — and then worry later about making the minimum monthly payments. With such an unrealistic approach to money, finances, and debt, is it any wonder that millions of Americans these days are subject to bankruptcies, foreclosures, and repossessions?

During His brief ministry, Jesus taught His followers about the proper relationship with God, family, neighbors … and even enemies. But Christ also spoke extensively about money-related issues. In fact, the Bible is full of financial wisdom that’s as applicable today as it was centuries ago.

For example, one principle is to give the first 10% or more of our income to the church. This honors God by actively promoting His purposes on earth and demonstrating our faith in Him for meeting our needs. And another precept is to appreciate all that God has given us. That's because when we foster an attitude of gratitude, we’re unlikely to spend what we don’t have on unaffordable material possessions that we don’t really need.

Next, we must attack debt and anticipate tough times. This means developing a budget, spending less than what we earn, paying off those credit cards (especially the ones with sky-high interest rates), and setting money aside to cover unexpected expenses. Following these steps can help your savings grow little by little over time — especially when they earn compound interest.

Above all, we must be rich toward God and invest in the eternal. Saving for the future is obviously important. But also look for ways to put your money to work promoting God’s interests. In addition to your weekly Sunday contribution, this might involve giving toward a special church initiative, supporting overseas missionaries, or maybe even starting your own community ministry. Whatever it is, ask God in prayer to show you what to do … and clear the way to let you do it. 

Lastly, we can rest assured that our Creator is a great provider. But let's not forget that while His provision doesn’t ignore debt, it also doesn’t excuse irresponsibility. As Proverbs 21:20 tells us:

Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

Treasures in Heaven

For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.

– Matthew 25:29

What’s the best way to invest money these days?

According to Google’s AI overview, options include diversified index funds and retirement accounts for long-term growth, but ultimately it depends on your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance. Meanwhile, top financial gurus recommend everything from precious metals to stocks and bonds to Bitcoin. Considering the economic uncertainties that hang over our nation (and the world, for that matter), this is a question that demands an answer. 

If you're a Christ-follower, you've accepted God's offer to meet your needs in every area of life. That covers deeply intimate issues involving significance, happiness, value, and self-worth — and of course, money and possessions. Unfortunately, too many of us depend on the size of our bank accounts, 401(k)s, and stock portfolios for security. We struggle for years to build a nest egg. But even when we make it to the top by the world's standards, our financial victory turns out to be a worthless idol once life is over. 

Rather than following the world's wisdom about life, relationships, possessions, and money, Christ-followers see these things in a very different light. That's because our minds begin to transform as soon as we follow Jesus in earnest. What once seemed so valuable and desirable loses its luster and fades into oblivion. And the world's silver and gold begin to rust.

With this in mind, what’s REALLY the best way to invest our money, time ... and stuff?

It’s a question with eternal implications — as well as a test of how we’re making our Creator our top priority. Believers are called to recognize that God doesn’t give us possessions. Instead, we're simply caretakers of His resources. So, let’s ask ourselves: Are we spending our money on the world's definition of success — or investing it toward His kingdom where it will make an eternal difference? Let’s look at Matthew 6:19-21 for trustworthy guidance:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal,” says Jesus. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

The Ultimate Giver

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on.”

– Mark 12:43-44

For centuries, Christ-followers have given a portion of their resources to the church to help achieve God’s purposes on Earth. And if you’re a committed giver, you’ve probably discovered that you can’t out-give our Creator. We might one day feel led to help a neighbor pay his electric bill or buy him a bag of groceries. And then a few days later, we might ourselves be blessed through an unexpected promotion at work or a surprise check in the mail. God’s example is a powerful incentive for Believers of all economic levels. After all, he wants us to trust in him — not money — as our provider:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,” we read in Psalms, “in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

But when it comes to our money and possessions, it really does boil down to trust. We trust God with our eternal salvation. However, do we trust this same God to provide for our daily needs? Christ-followers are called to serve as his hands and feet to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and house the homeless. So, by making generous giving a spiritual habit, we become more like Him — and all while helping to change the world for the better.

This principle sounds fine in theory — particularly when our bank accounts are full and there’s plenty more on the way. But how does it apply to those of us with only modest financial means? 

In the Gospel story known as The Widow’s Mite, Jesus pointed toward a poor woman who literally gave her last penny as her offering. And since she gave out of her poverty, her small gift was much greater in God’s eyes than the vast amounts offered by rich worshippers. We can see that the widow — although poor — took the initiative and made the most of her gift. Likewise for today’s Christ-followers with few resources, giving takes humility. What’s more, it requires discipline and trust. Just because we have less than others, it’s no reason to turn our backs on God. 

Whether our bank accounts are big or small, our generosity brings joy to others. It also moves our focus from ourselves and onto the recipient. And it's a needed reminder that ultimately, all provision comes from God — The Ultimate Giver.

Pledge of Allegiance

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

– Colossians 2:6-7

Americans of a certain age remember that the Pledge of Allegiance was recited each morning in school classrooms across the nation — with students placing their right hand over their heart — in front of our nation’s flag. It was a daily declaration of devotion to the Stars and Stripes and the Republic for which it stands.

Being a Christ-follower also calls for allegiance, but to One much greater than any nation or flag. In fact, Jesus desires total devotion from his disciples and would-be followers. Half-heartedness and non-committal don't make the cut.

Believers should therefore demonstrate a Christ-centered faith through their words and deeds. But that doesn't mean we must earn God's favor through good works and morality, following a set of rules, or going to church each Sunday. In fact, we read in Isaiah 64:6 that our so-called good deeds are considered filthy rags when compared to God's high standards of perfection. That's why Jesus — who actually DID live a perfect, sin-free life — was the only one worthy enough to pay the penalty we all deserve for constantly failing our Creator.

Although we're powerless to save ourselves, Christ willingly did so on our behalf through his death and resurrection, which also made it possible for Believers ever since to serve as his hands and feet on earth. To help illustrate the significance of his incredible mission, Jesus told a story about a master, who gave each of his three servants a considerable sum of money to invest while he was away on an extended trip. After a while, the master returned to claim what was his. He was pleased with the first two servants, who had used their funds wisely. Their savvy and willingness to risk their allocations resulted in doubling the money. But it wasn't so with the third servant. He was afraid of his boss' stern reputation and didn't want to risk a loss. So instead, he tried to play it safe by burying his master's money in the ground!

This is where modern-day Christ-followers enter the picture. Like the three servants in the story, we've also received resources, skills, and opportunities to invest in the lives of others. The beneficiaries could be a spouse, sibling, or child. They might also be a co-worker, neighbor, villagers in Central America ... or maybe someone God puts in our path through unexpected circumstances.

So, here's the obvious question: How are we investing what God has given to us? Are we turning our faith into action and changing the world one person at a time … or are we playing it safe?

The answer depends on our allegiance.

 

Priority One

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

– Matthew 6:33

Many businesses these days like to tout their focus on sustainability — the practice of using resources responsibly, maintaining ecological balance, and ensuring the well-being of all … both for today and tomorrow. Likewise, governments around the world are changing their laws and policies to prioritize recycling, water conservation, renewable energy, and social equity.

But what about our personal priorities toward a valuable resource we can never renew: our time?

Everyone has a finite number of days to live on this planet. And what we do with them depends on our prime concerns and preferences. Some might live to travel the globe and find adventure. Others might live for pleasure, family, or friends. And some folks might seek true meaning by focusing on their careers or supporting worthy charities.

With so many choices before us, how can we best set our priorities?

The 2026 Olympic Winter Games are right around the corner, so let’s consider Eric Liddell’s story for guidance. Liddell was a Christ-follower who believed that everything in his life should be done to please God. Born in China, he looked forward to one day fulfilling his calling as a missionary. But before that, he planned to compete in the 1924 Paris Olympics as a runner.

All seemed well until Liddell learned that his big race was scheduled for a Sunday. But that troubled him. He believed that competing on the Lord’s Day was wrong and that it would dishonor the God he always sought to please. So, he stepped aside — seemingly disqualifying himself from a chance at fame by representing his country at the Games. 

Liddell’s priority was to put God first, whatever the cost. And needless to say, it was a priority that few others shared. It’s reported that even the Prince of Wales urged the young athlete to run in the Sunday track meet. But Liddell refused to compromise his principles.

Then the unexpected happened. Liddell was given the opportunity to race on another day. But the catch was that he had never trained for that particular event. Fans of the 1981 movie classic Chariots of Fire know what happened next: Liddell won the contest and claimed the cherished gold medal.

Now fast-forward to 2026, and it’s our turn to make some decisions. What are our priorities in life and what’s really important? As Christ-followers, we first need to seek God’s guidance if he hasn’t already answered those questions. It’s then that we take that next crucial step: the decision to honor God. And we also need to develop a plan of action. What are we willing to change to meet the goal? What’s negotiable? And finally, it’s time to deliver by running the race and seeing it through past the finish line.

Eric Liddell’s story is full of life lessons. And if there’s just one to adopt as our own, it’s that God will honor us when we decide to honor God.

Are you ready to set priorities for your daily walk of faith? Then let the race begin!

Soul Food

Because of this, since the day we heard about you, we have continued praying for you, asking God that you will know fully what he wants. We pray that you will also have great wisdom and understanding in spiritual things so that you will live the kind of life that honors and pleases the Lord in every way. You will produce fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God.

– Colossians 1:9-10

What’s your idea of a great meal? 

For some folks, a grilled steak, baked potato, and salad always hit the spot. Others love pizza, Vietnamese, or seafood. There’s also Mediterranean, Asian, and dozens of other cuisines. And let’s not forget those who crave vegetarian.

People’s tastes and tastebuds vary widely, but it’s their hunger that unites them. However, there’s another kind of appetite that has nothing to do with cheeseburgers, fried chicken, and ice cream. It’s the spiritual hunger that’s hard-coded into our DNA. Inside, everyone has a gnawing desire to fill a gaping internal void. Some try in vain through negative pursuits such as drug use, alcohol, compulsive spending, or gambling. Others attempt to fill it by becoming workaholics or escaping reality through social media, video games, or even travel. But once the thrill is gone, the hunger always returns. Moreover, they’re never satisfied.

Jesus addressed this universal dilemma by proclaiming (and proving) himself to be the “food” that everyone craves. As we read in John 6:35:

“I am the bread that gives life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Spiritual hunger can be beneficial. In fact, we all need a drive — a certain level of intensity — to continue developing as Christ-followers. Our Creator has so many things for us to see, experience, and comprehend during our brief existence on Earth, and that’s how we grow and mature into Jesus’ likeness. How boring would our lives be if we already knew all the answers from Day 1?

Unfortunately, too many Believers experience stunted spiritual growth because they lack the intensity to continue seeking meaning in their lives. The solution is to mature by making the most of the people, places, and situations that God puts before us each day. And it's also up to you and me to continue developing our spiritual muscles through regular Bible study, prayer, worship, Small Group participation, and other positive habits. After all, there’s nothing like a good workout to whet one’s appetite — and then satisfy it with food for the soul.

Name-Dropping

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 

– Ephesians 4:15

The saying goes that it’s not what you know … it’s WHO you know that matters.

That’s especially true when a connection can help you obtain or accomplish something quickly and efficiently. For example, a call to the right person who already owes you a big favor might get you those tickets to that sold-out concert or sporting event. You might be able to get your child into the right school if you have a close friend in the admissions office. And that acquaintance who knows a mechanic who fixes vehicles on the side could get your car back on the road in no time — and for a price the dealership can’t beat.

Other scenarios involve name-dropping, or suggesting that you have a relationship with a celebrity, politician, or other notable. We do it at parties, at job interviews, and when we want to impress others. And while name-dropping can be annoying, sometimes it’s OK to brag a bit about our relationship to the right person. In the Bible, it’s actually encouraged in Psalm 16:8:

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

At Christianity’s core is our relationship with God through our faith in Jesus. Specifically, that connection is one of a child and their parent, which is made possible through Jesus’ death on the cross — a punishment we all rightly deserve for our lifetimes stained by personal failures and shortcomings (better known as sin). But since we’re connected with the right person (Jesus), he’s already paid the price to save us from a certain death and eternal punishment in hell.

God also wants us to be in close relationship with other Believers. That’s because we grow spiritually when we’re deeply connected to one another in Christ. After all, isolation can stunt our spiritual growth while loving connection strengthens it. Meanwhile, let’s not neglect our relationships with non-Believers — those personal connections that can help launch their own journeys of faith. That means introducing them to Jesus, sharing your own testimony about the Savior, and relating how his death on the cross 2,000 years ago means a whole new life today — and later into eternity.

How can you get the ball rolling?

One of the best ways is to pray for people by name. They can be family members, co-workers, neighbors, political leaders — and particularly your enemies. And don’t be surprised if God opens the circumstances where you become the answer to someone else’s prayers. Jesus set the example when he sent 12 of his disciples to nearby Jewish communities to spread the Good News (the Gospel):

“Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel,” he told them. “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”

As 21st century Believers, let’s be prepared to do some name-dropping whenever it’s needed to grow God’s kingdom. Because it’s not what you know, but WHO you know that matters.

Truth or Consequences

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.

– Psalm 1:1-3

It sounds like something found deep in the jungles of Africa, the Amazon rainforest — or maybe even on another planet. It’s a carnivorous plant called the Venus fly trap, which grows wild in the bogs of North and South Carolina. 

Venus fly traps feast on flies and other insects, and their secret lies in their attractive colors and outstretched, nectar-scented pads. When an unsuspecting victim lands on the exotic plant, sensors prepare its trap to shut. But by intelligent design, it takes more than a single motion to spring the snare. It’s only after a second sensor is activated that the Venus fly trap grabs its prey within 0.1 seconds. Soon, powerful fluids fill the sprung trap, which dissolve the insect into usable nutrients. The cycle then resumes, with the plant re-opening its pads to repeat the lethal deception.

This illustrates an important lesson for Christ-followers: Although it might seem innocent at the time, we can suffer great harm from those who teach Scripture in ways that are inconsistent with God’s Word. That’s because false doctrine can lead Believers astray while misdirecting seekers from the biblical straight-and-narrow pathway toward salvation. Examples include pseudo-Christian tenets such as name-it-claim it, salvation by works, and legalism. One popular Atlanta-area pastor has also advocated unhitching the Old Testament from the Christian faith. And in recent years another familiar pastor/author has denied certain essential Christian beliefs. Declaring that “love wins” and that hell is just symbolic, he’s proclaimed that people worldwide will be saved in the end — even if they haven’t professed their faith Christ. Of course, Believers know through John 14:6 that Jesus disagrees:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

The threat from bad doctrine is nothing new to Christ-followers. About 2,000 years ago, the apostle Paul addressed some of the false teachings of his day that were both confusing and upsetting to early believers in Jesus:

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you,” he wrote in Galatians 1:8, “let them be under God’s curse!”

The good news is that God’s truth is near to those who seek it. And Christ-followers have open access to it through the Bible, prayer — and even wise counsel from fellow Believers. We should therefore have less trouble than others with telling right from wrong and discerning the traps of false doctrine. It’s a vital lesson that underscores the importance of biblical literacy. What's more, it’s a reminder that our stability in life comes from being deeply rooted in God’s truth, not by merely being exposed to it.

A book, movie, TV series — or even a sermon — might be labeled Christian, but it’s no guarantee that you’ll find pure biblical truth through it. So, if you see or read something that seems inconsistent with Scripture, maybe it is. Check the Bible and ask a trusted Christian friend. And if that teaching is unbiblical, don’t follow it. But if it turns out to be legitimate, God could be using it to build your faith as you grow into the Believer he wants you to be.