Fool’s Gold

Pyrite is the classic "Fool's Gold". Pyrite is so common in the earth’s crust that it is found nearly everywhere. It’s golden look, however, has made more than a few people think they’ve stumbled onto a rich vein of gold! Iron sulfide is often found near actual gold deposits which compounded the confusion of early prospectors.

How easily we can be tricked by the fool’s gold of life! I’m not talking about the obvious glitter and glam of wealth or celebrity. God offers us a rich life, deeply satisfying; His gift to those who will walk in His ways and make Him their true God. Self offers us another kind of satisfaction when we make it our god. Feeding our desires can provide satisfaction, too; and often one that is more easily and quickly available than the satisfaction that comes from Christ. But like pyrite, what we think is worth our great effort, proves to be worthless. The great tragedy is that many do not realize that they are buying fool’s gold until their treasure is all spent.

Jeremiah challenged God’s people to reflect on their lives. “My people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols. Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror,” declares the Lord. “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." (Jeremiah 2:11-14, NIV)
"Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the Lord your God and have no awe of me,” declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty." (Jeremiah 2:19, NIV)

Think today.

Have you mistaken speaking positive words for genuine faith in God?

Do you think you can find peace with God through being morally upright and somewhat nicer than the average person instead of through receiving the grace of Jesus Christ?

Are you chasing after a ‘spiritual’ experience that is nothing more than an emotional high, confusing the work of the Spirit with mere exhilaration?

Have you allowed yourself to remake God in your image and likeness (fool’s gold!) or are you humbly inviting the Holy Spirit to work a transformation of character in you – though it cost you dearly of the things most valued by others?

Follow the way of Christ. It is true treasure.

"The payoff for meekness and Fear-of-God is plenty and honor and a satisfying life." (Proverbs 22:4, The Message)

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