Chasing the Right Things

What a contrast there is between what the world tells us we should have and be and what the Lord tells us in His Word! This morning as I read Proverbs 16 I saw several of these contrasts.

The world tells us we should follow our heart when making a decision. The Word says to commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. (Prov. 16:3) In other words, we give to the Lord what we’re planning to do and we let Him guide our thinking and direct our steps. My heart will lead me astray, but the Lord will always lead me right.

The world tells us we need more money, more things, bigger house, better stuff. The Word says in Proverbs 16:8 – Better is little with righteousness than great revenues without right. It’s better to have little? Yes, when it comes from a life that is right with God. All our needs are taken care of when we walk with Him. We may not be listed among the world’s most affluent people, but at the end of this life it won’t matter.

Verse 16 of the same chapter says that wisdom is better than gold and understanding than silver! You will never read that in your local paper or hear that on a television talk show.

The world says you have to do whatever it takes to move up the ladder of success. Proverbs 16:12 says that it is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness and a throne is established by righteousness. Oh, that our politicians would follow that principle in their leadership!

The world doesn’t think much of senior citizens, but verse 31 says that the gray head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness. Those that are godly seniors have earned a crown because they’ve walked with God, learned His ways, and honored Him in their many years.

This is another reminder to me as to why I need the Word daily. We are bombarded with worldly thinking every single day, and it contrasts the Truth that we need to obey. Let’s not chase after what the world dictates, but let’s let our goals and desires be lined up with the Word of God instead.