Articles
Proof or Pretense?
It is an uncomfortable reality that we all show what we really value through our actions and focus. We all would like to maintain the values that are admirable and impressive to others, but there are things we do and say that show the truth. Scripture gives us several ways to measure our demonstrated values next to what we proclaim them to be.
“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and [also] its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” (I John 2:15-17) John reminds his readers that our love for the physical and fleshly will eclipse our love for God. We are spiritual beings in a fleshly existence, and these two qualities are at war within us constantly. (Galatians 5:16-17; James 4:4-10) Our actions are a demonstration of which side is winning.
Our dedication to Jesus is demonstrated in our imitation of His self-sacrifice, and also the actions of His disciples and apostles. They lived lives, but not for themselves. They lived on the earth, but were not fleshly in their mindset or habits. “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is [their] appetite, and [whose] glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:17-19)
Focusing on appearance, or allowing our vision to cause us to have inappropriate values is a perpetual struggle for people who live in the age of visual technology. However, it is not a struggle that is unique to us. Paul warned against judging according to appearance (II Corinthians 10:1-7; II Timothy 3:1-5, cf. John 7:24). Perhaps the biggest modern struggle with our vision in modern culture was addressed by Jesus as well. “If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be cast into the fiery hell.” (Matthew 18:9) Additionally, He informed the married, “...I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28) The problems with appealing to vision are also seen in scripture’s admonitions to godly women to cultivate a righteous character with more diligence than maintaining their appearance. (Proverbs 31:30; I Timothy 2:9-10; I Peter 3:2-4)
Many times, Paul spoke of the true source of His pride being in God alone. (I Corinthians 1:26-31; II Corinthians 10:12-18) His goals in life were only to please the one who had engineered his salvation. (II Corinthians 5:6-15) Therefore, even when faced with imprisonment, and wondering if it would eventuate in his execution, Paul was able to show service to Christ as his only value. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” His life on earth was not his own, and his death would allow him “to depart and be with Christ, for [that] is very much better.” (Philippians 1:21-24)
What do your actions show that you love in truth? Do they line up with what you claim to value?
