Have you noticed that one of the most recent trends on social media is finding ways to live a simpler, minimal life? There’s a reason that this trend has gone viral and that’s because it is so counter cultural--even revolutionary--to American society.
Everything we watch on television is chocked full of items and lifestyles the world says we need in order to be happy. Scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest, you’ll find ads from companies who know everything about you in order to market their products to your specific tastes.
We are a culture of more, more, more, but God is calling His people to less and less and less.
The Rich, Young Ruler
Remember the rich young ruler in Luke 18? He wanted so badly to follow Jesus, but Jesus knew there was one thing the ruler would never give up--his wealth.
And of course, as always, Jesus was right! The ruler turned on his heel and walked back the way he had come, unwilling to give up the grandiose lifestyle he had grown accustomed to. Afraid to miss out on the life money offered to him, he missed out on the incredible journey Jesus had to offer him.
If there was ever a country that mimicked the rich young ruler’s example, it would be America. To live content and grateful for what God has given us means we have to swim upstream against the current of our culture. It requires work, practice, and endurance.
But the life God is offering you is so much more valuable  and surreal than what this world could ever offer you. Do you believe that today?
Questions for Your Day:
- What is an area of your life you may need to fight to be grateful for this week?
- In what way are you like the rich, young ruler?
- Do you truly believe that the life God is offering you is far more valuable than what the world could offer?