http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/2012/03/never-give-your-hearts-to-this-world-or.html
"Never give your hearts to this world or to any of the things in it… The whole world-system… (is) based on men's primitive desires, their greedy ambitions and the glamour of all that they THINK is splendid… " (1 John 2:15, 16 – Phillips Translation)
But the glamour is alluring! We can identify with St. Augustine's cry, "Give me chastity, but not yet."
If the truth were out, many of us would have to admit that the WORLD'S GLAMOROUS ARE OUR CLOSET HEROES. We ogle their lifestyles which seem so smooth… leisurely, and in control.
Almost transcendent.
Perhaps they have mastered Lauren Hutton's secret of success, "Never, ever let them see you sweat."
Our lives, by contrast seem to muddle along our rather tired and familiar surroundings of dirty laundry, unfinished projects, and piles of unanswered mail.
James reminds us, however, that "flirting with the glamour of this world" is akin to being "the world's lover," an "unfaithful wife." It is by our love of the world… by our spiritual adultery, that we become "an enemy of God." (See James 4:4 – Phillips Translation)
It is vital for us to understand that true fulfillment is found in the daily struggle with loving, giving, and forgiving amidst piles of laundry, raucous kids and rushed schedules. It is here that the authentic beauty of Christ's character is being forged.
And the "glamorous" world can never match that!
http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/2012/03/never-give-your-hearts-to-this-world-or.html
"Never give your hearts to this world or to any of the things in it… The whole world-system… (is) based on men's primitive desires, their greedy ambitions and the glamour of all that they THINK is splendid… " (1 John 2:15, 16 – Phillips Translation)
But the glamour is alluring! We can identify with St. Augustine's cry, "Give me chastity, but not yet."
If the truth were out, many of us would have to admit that the WORLD'S GLAMOROUS ARE OUR CLOSET HEROES. We ogle their lifestyles which seem so smooth… leisurely, and in control.
Almost transcendent.
Perhaps they have mastered Lauren Hutton's secret of success, "Never, ever let them see you sweat."
Our lives, by contrast seem to muddle along our rather tired and familiar surroundings of dirty laundry, unfinished projects, and piles of unanswered mail.
James reminds us, however, that "flirting with the glamour of this world" is akin to being "the world's lover," an "unfaithful wife." It is by our love of the world… by our spiritual adultery, that we become "an enemy of God." (See James 4:4 – Phillips Translation)
It is vital for us to understand that true fulfillment is found in the daily struggle with loving, giving, and forgiving amidst piles of laundry, raucous kids and rushed schedules. It is here that the authentic beauty of Christ's character is being forged.
And the "glamorous" world can never match that!
http://docburkhart.blogspot.com/2012/03/never-give-your-hearts-to-this-world-or.html
