Matthew 6:20-21 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Going through a daily scramble to secure the perfect face covering has become our reality. Seems we first choose clothing that speaks to our schedule, followed by shoes to support these activities, then, accessorize with some bling before reluctantly selecting from our ever-growing repertoire of masks.
There are issues to consider in this mask-selection process: Will we be required to communicate all day? A mask allowing us to speak audibly is key. How many consecutive hours will the mask be worn? One allowing us to breathe freely keeps us from passing out. Will it be taken off and on repeatedly? If so, a “no-fuss” style is imperative. So many rules for an accessory oblivious to us a year ago.
But it seems our mask-criterion has moved beyond functionality to include mask-envy. You know what I’m talking about: You see someone with a mask that catches your eye and no longer are you satisfied with the one on your face. It happened to me. I spied a woman with a sparkly mask and immediately wanted it. Not because I needed it. Not because I didn’t have one the very same style. Simply because it was shiny and mine was not. Its sparkle caught my eye.
“Lust of the eyes” is a killer of joy. Before spying the sparkle, I was content with the functionality of my mask. But the obsession for the “shiny” instantly consumed my thoughts and my google search.
Satan knows being drawn in by the glitter of the world is merely humanity’s first step to much greater ways of bowing to him. Recall the story of David and Bathsheba? As far as we know, David was happy and satisfied with his large kingdom – that is, until he spied the sparkle of Bathsheba. Her allure was just the beginning of David’s fall from grace, for his lust was followed by his arrogance, which led to adultery, which led to murder. How did it all begin? With sparkle envy.
Envy is Satan’s offspring. When the magnificence of our friends’ homes causes us discontent over our own humble abode, Satan wins. When we feel our family fails to live up to others’ social media posts, Satan is victorious. When our husband’s occupation seems less glamorous than her husband’s profession, marriage-joy is stolen. Satan wins as we exhaust our energy chasing earthly possessions, all of which will someday cover Satan’s domain in dust.
Contentment is our choice and choices reflect allegiances. We side with Satan when we harbor envy, greed, and discontentment. Sisters, may our choice be one of contentment. May the sparkle we crave come as we reflect the light of a loving Father who stores our treasures in heaven.
Father God, may our every thought and action be one that shines for You.
Blessings,
Rita Cochrane