Settling for Cheap Imitations
Who would buy this?
Who would fall for this? We would. Reality is far more subtle than a $3.49 bag of fake pennies, but we often settle for cheap imitations of the real thing—and it costs us far more than it should.
Do yourself a favor this Christmas. In this season of heightened consumerism when we’re more prone to chase after things, stay focused on the real source of happiness: a life centered in Christ.
Paul the apostle had experienced both want and abundance. He found contentment regardless of possessions or circumstances:
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:12-13).
Contentment, happiness, joy are all wrapped up in Jesus.
Of course, it will cost us all we’ve got, but we gain far more in return.
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30).
Avoid the cheap imitations. Go for the real joy,
