HONEYMOON'S OVER
- Key Verse
- "Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again . . . what has happened to all your joy?" Galatians 4:8-9, 15a (NIV)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
We can get so distracted by the things the world tells us will bring joy and happiness that we tend to forget who our first love is.
Reflections
I love going to Barnes and Noble, Borders, or any other mega bookstore. The smell of fresh books, the most current information, and poignant words coming together to create lasting stories brings me sanity on days when I need that ever-so-elusive alone time. When I was younger and much more ambitious in my education, I looked for classics to add to my list of books to read before I die. During pregnancy, I scoured baby name books and others that would teach me how to have the "happiest baby on the block" or how to be "babywise." When I started dating the man who would become my husband, it was all about Mars and Venus and being codependent no more.
Now, however, I find myself drawn to books about clean eating and workout regimens that will transform my body and mind. I am told, through tantalizing covers and persuasive wording, that my life will be more fulfilling and I will find much more joy if I begin one of these programs. I actually have searched on You Tube for the P90X infomercial because I'm so fascinated with the people who have transformed their soft bodies into tight, ripped pieces of machinery. They seem so happy and at peace all because of one intense workout. I can be happier too, if only I'll start working harder and eating better and finding more willpower. Right?
I think it's an obvious sign that my relationship with Christ is coming to a plateau when exercise infomercials begin to enslave my mind. When I start falling for the smooth lines of advertising instead of the everlasting truth of Scripture, my focus is clearly off. The honeymoon is over. Like the Galatians, I turn back to "weak principles" of the world's value system and lose my joy and desire for connection with my Creator. When I start believing that my life's purpose will be found in the next diet fad or exercise manual, I better get my eyes on the Word, not the bookshelves of Barnes and Noble.
Discussion Questions
1. When was a time that you temporarily lost your focus in your relationship with Christ and started looking to other things for fulfillment?2. What do you usually do when that happens?
3. Do you have an action plan for when that day comes? If so, what is it? If not, what do you think it could be?
Tori Fowler
March 3, 2010 08:04 AM
VERY well said, Erin! It is easy to take our eyes off the prize when the world is enticing us from every direction. I've been guilty of doing the same types of things myself, but God always finds a way to draw me back to Him. His grace is unbelievable sometimes!
delia
March 3, 2010 08:11 AM
THANK YOU! THANK yoU! THANK YOU, PERFECT FOR TODAYS MEDITATION FOR ME! God is so great, I ask for direction and I get it , and always by the little things, like reading your devotional this morning! Thanks
Kathy
March 3, 2010 08:17 AM
Hey Erin...what a knock over my head!!! This world has nothing for me.... and your words remind me of that! Thanks for the great read....
Kristy Edwards
March 3, 2010 09:10 AM
Girl! You are one wise woman! Thank you for the remnder to keep my eyes on my Heavenly Father and off the world and my cirmstances. I had a season in my life when the Lord would not allow me to read any self help type books. Self help is no help at all. It is one more effort of the flesh to do what only God can do.So today I am looking UPWARD with a big smile of gratitude on my face.
Martha Pressler
March 3, 2010 09:21 AM
Thanks Erin for a great reminder that we have to stay vigilant in pursuing our relationship with Christ! It's so easy to be distracted (even by infomercials!) while we pursue the Kingdom. Great devo.
Kelli Lax
March 3, 2010 09:43 AM
I really enjoyed this teaching. It describes me to a tea!!! There was a time in my life that I thought that my body image was what made me happy. I struggled with anorexia nervosa for a decade and thought people would only love me if I were skinny and had nice clothes, hair extensions, and perfect makeup. But I was killing myself and totally lost God. I went to treatment and leaned on him to get me through one of the most difficult times in my life and it was then where others say me for me!!!
Ryan Schwanke
March 3, 2010 10:05 AM
Erin, your devotion was a course correction for me this morning after jumping into my to-do list and striving to perform out of fear. Thank you for sharing your journey and encouraging me to find freedom, direction and power in Him.
Mike Heinz
March 3, 2010 10:10 AM
Erin, You are a gifted writer in my opinion. I've been thinking about this topic a lot, even before reading your devo. God is working on this in my life and your articulation has helped me see it even more clearly. Thanks!
Becky Venhaus
March 3, 2010 11:00 AM
Erin, you will never know how much I appreciate your devotion today!!!! God used you in a powerful way to remind me that I've taken my eyes off of the most important self help EVER - HIM! We're in a season of lots of changes and it's easy for those changes to be so exciting that we look to them for fulfillment rather than God. Compared to God those things are soooooo weak!
Kathleen Horn
March 3, 2010 12:03 PM
Great analogy! Keeping my eyes focused on the real prize when they are darting in every direction is not so easy. But the Lord has so much more to offer me. Thanks!
Gary Brandenburg
March 3, 2010 02:53 PM
Great job Erin. I can relate so well to your struggle but then, "the fruit never falls far from the tree" does it? You are loved by your Father in heaven and the one on earth too! I'm thinking about starting that P15X thing if you're up for it.
jgarellano
March 3, 2010 04:19 PM
Erin, Best Devo of the year! Who couldn't relate? I know it resonated with me. I so appreciate your authenticity and vulnerability. Also, congrats on finishing the half marathon!
Diane Lafving
March 8, 2010 10:49 AM
So true! Thank you for the focus-turning encouragement ... eyes back on Jesus and His life. Blessings!