Resisting the trend

2 Kings 17:³³So they feared the LORD but also served their own gods, after the manner of the nations from among whom they had been carried away.

God's chosen people have been drifting to and from God like a piece of seaweed on the ocean's tide. Here, the people have remembered to fear the Lord their God but they still also served their own man-made gods that were adopted from the very nations that placed them in captivity and exile. Bad habits die hard. But what about good habits? What happened to all those years of worshiping the one, true God? Why didn't that habit stick? Why do people drift towards other lesser gods rather than God almighty? It says in 2 Kings that Israel was cast out of the sight of God because of their sin. They also had a very corrupt king, Ahaz, at the time who led Israel to worship false idols. So, Judah followed in the way of its relatives, the Israelites. Even though they knew what to do, they just went with the ways of the world.

Following the trend is not good in this case. Actually, I'm not sure how good it is to follow the trend. Lately, I've been feeling a strong desire in me to look better. I want to get my haircut (this I've been wanting since I gave birth) and update my clothes. I keep telling myself that I would like to look better for my husband. That he should have a beautiful, well-kept wife and that my son should have a beautiful mommy. I suppose that is part of the truth, because really, if those were my only reasons, then I wouldn't have to change anything. My husband and child will love me regardless of what I look like. Am I placing my self worth in the eyes of the world or am I doing a good thing by caring about what I look like? Will my appearance bring glory to God or to myself? I tend to not follow the trend, but every once in a while, I do. In fact I get such a strong urge to fit in. Am I being like the Israelite people and worshiping other gods? I think that I need to refocus onto Jesus. He needs to be the source of my attention and worship. I should not worship outer beauty. Besides, focusing too much on my outward appearance may start a bad habit in me. I'll be more consumed with how I look than by how much others see Jesus in me.

Heavenly Father, You are the only One worthy to be glorified. I ask that You would keep me set apart for Your good works. Please help me from falling into the traps of this world. Lord, I cling to You and refuse to get caught up in the tide. Lord, as I fix my eyes upon You, may You create a beauty in me that points back to Your righteousness and purity. Lord, I worship You alone and ask that You forgive me for seeking out the approval of man and the world. May I serve and fear You alone. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.