WHAT ARE YOU FALLING FOR?

WHAT ARE YOU FALLING FOR?

The weather is cooler, the skies are bright, and the evenings have been downright chilly. It’s absolutely beautiful here in Central Florida. I believe the fall season brings a sense of freshness. Perhaps it’s due to the crisp air or the excitement of the upcoming holidays, I’m not quite sure, but I am confident that God is the creator of all, and fall is just one of the many beautiful wonders of His creation.

“You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 (CEB)

I’m falling for God. How about you? What are you falling for these days?

Falling for the Temporary

With so much beauty surrounding us, it’s tempting to fall for the temporary things of this world. Society bombards us with messages that promise happiness, abundance, and joy if we just make the purchase – those designer shoes, the latest accessory, or the most sought-after handbag. The material things and newest trends are all created to make us the it girl. But, will these material things we fall for really fill our needs or make us the it girl?

Why not fall for life? A God-centered life filled with His gifts. I love the passage from Galatians 5:24, The Message,

“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.

When we are filled with God, we are filled with His gifts – gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We are falling for a life of peace and contentment.

What Type of Fruit Are You Producing?

When we relinquish our selfish desires and self-centered lives, we begin to produce virtuous fruit, the fruit of the Holy Spirit. When we are not walking with God, we are living a me-centered life, which can produce bitter fruit. The bitter fruit is unpleasant and unhealthy. Have you ever picked up a shiny red apple and taken a large bite only to discover the apple was bitter or sour? Well, that’s what a life without God is like – shiny on the outside, but the inside is filled with bitterness.

What’s on the Inside?

There have been times I’ve had the altogether look on the outside but bitter on the inside. The bitterness may have stemmed from unforgiveness, past pain, or insecurities. Regardless of the reason, the bitterness was there beneath the perfect haircut, trendy dress, and designer shoes, and trust me when I say it seeps through and surfaces at the most unlikely times!

You know, the moments you think you’ve got everything under control because you’re depending on your own strength and own wiles to make things happen. And then, before you know it, the flesh jumps out and wreaks havoc on your plans. Let’s face it, you can only manage the façade for so long before you grow weary and realize those temporary things aren’t filling the void, and you’re left just as empty as you started (including your bank account).

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Have no regard for his appearance or stature, because I haven’t selected him. God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the Lord sees into the heart.‘” 1 Samuel 16:7 (CEB)

There’s No Hiding What’s Underneath

God sees our hearts, our motivations, and our intentions. There’s no hiding what’s underneath our layers. So, I ask: what are your motivations, your intentions? What are you filling your life with in hopes of feeling content and happy? What are you falling for? I encourage you to fall in love with God. Allow God to meet you right where you are, relinquish those self-centered desires, and allow Him to fill you with a life of peace and contentment.

“What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.” Luke 12:29-32 (MSG)

Image Credit RenyiRzIllustrations