Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but, rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)
The saying goes: “We are to love people and use things, and not use people and love things”. This is a very true saying and, so appropriate as we deal with the materialism and consumerism, of the 21st Century.
It is so easy at times to get caught up in acquiring status, money, and material possessions. I am writing this from the United States where most children are raised to think about making money and having possessions as one of the main goals in order to obtain, “the good life”. They’re taught to go to school, get good grades, get a good job, buy houses, land, cars, go on expensive trips, etc. Looking to better oneself in life is not a bad concept, nor does it go against Godly principles. Problems come into play when we value money, possessions, status, and fame, more than we value Godly and human connections.
When we’re so consumed with getting, there are often times we neglect and/or use/manipulate other people, in order for us to get what we want. Make no mistake, God is not pleased with this type of behavior. A life of disregarding others or God’s principles, in order to achieve your own material gain.
The Bible mentions how pride can be your downfall, when you become so into your beauty, ambition, talent, etc. It teaches that everything eventually comes to an end. The only thing that lasts is God and your relationship with Him.
So, seek to fix your heart and mind on the real prize, God, and Him only. When you align your character and principles with God’s word, more than likely all your dreams and ambitions will come (as God wills) to you honestly and with integrity. You will not look at people as objects for your use, in order to get what you want. You will look upon them as you should, as children of God.
Blessings,
Angélique
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