My Dad and I had quite the engaging visit a few nights ago over coffee and cheesecake. He read my post “Reality Check” and wanted to further discuss the concept of Christ’s reality versus the assumed reality of this fallen world. In my post I spoke about how my understanding of Christ’s reality helped put into perspective the negatives around me.
What I did not write then, but discussed further with Dad, is how sometimes great things become our wall. It is not always the sudden shocking death of a loved one that we allow to become our reality, or failing health, or failing funds. Sometimes it is the fabulous, the glitzy, and the cozy that makes us assume the wall to be real.
My Mom calls these things “glitter”. All that glitters is not gold, and in eternal terms, nothing we can purchase on this earth is real gold, just glitter.
I would have to say that I think the most dangerous wall a person can encounter is glitter. I doubt seriously that a sudden windfall of millions of dollars would have sent me on a desperate search to find Christ. In fact, I likely would have been able to button a hefty bank account up as a simple blessing, or worse, something I earned by being a good person.
Most people may not see glitter as a stumbling block to righteousness, but I think that it is possibly the only one I question my ability to withstand. My life and circumstances have left me completely dependent on God. I wonder just how quickly I would turn to Him if the wall was not only not ugly, but appealing?
One More Thought On Walls
January 16, 2008
Ahhh, and He even knew….Matthew 13:22. -Lori Poppe
After hastily flipping to Matthew 13:22, I have to agree. Thank you for the reference.
Also, thank you for commenting. It’s nice to see you around.
Should have de-lurked re: Reality Check, it was such a blessing to Monty and myself.
Those glittery walls are very dangerous. They really do distract and catch the eye, and then you look back and say “did I really consume my whole week with that? Why?”
I would love to be able to say that my whole week was consumed with God, interweaving throughout my daily life and chores. I am not very good at inviting God in- it’s usually too much of my own reality.
I have a very good feeling that if you did happen to encounter ‘a windfall of millions of dollars’ you would thank God profusley and share it with others. Don’t underestimate yourself. We, as christians, should use our downfalls to recognize when we are blessed and you would do that, I’m sure.
You busted me, Anonymous. I was actually laying bait for the universe.
I think I have just about tapped all the life lessons being poor can offer and I am ready for the challenge of wealth.
Did you hear that, universe?