Brett decided he needed a new black sweater vest. Aspen thought this was a great idea because it coincided with her plans to go to the mall. She likes to eat pizza at the mall, ride the kiddie rides and shop at Gymboree. After lunch we cruised to the mall and went to Brett’s favorite men’s clothing store.
We looked at the selection of black vests and Brett took them to the dressing room to try them on. While Brett tried on the vests I perused the store and found a grey vest, and shirt combo on a mannequin. I searched the racks and found the two items in Bretts size. I took them to the dressing room for him to try on. By then he had decided he didn’t like any of the black vests and after trying on the grey vest and shirt we stood in line to pay for the items.
Brett didn’t really want or need a grey vest and shirt, he wanted to buy a black one, but due to the marketing skills of the store staff Brett now owns a great looking grey vest and shirt combo.
In Revelation 3:18 the Bible tells us, “I advise you: Buy gold purified in fire from me so that you may be rich. Buy white clothes from me. Wear them so that you may keep your shameful, naked body from showing. Buy ointment to put on your eyes so that you may see.” God tell us to buy the real thing from Him. But, as humans it is so easy to get distracted by sparkling fools gold. Rather than wearing the righteousness of God we wear stupidity with pride. We become so near-sighted with self-absorption that seeing the truth about ourselves is something we actually want to avoid.
We need to keep our eyes on the goal. The man in the parable of the treasure hidden in the field didn’t sell all he had and then stop by the market on the way to purchase the field and instead trade it all for trinkets. No. He kept his eye on the prize and experienced the thrill and joy of making the treasure his.
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” Matthew 13:44
Don’t you realize that everyone who runs in a race runs to win, but only one runner gets the prize? Run like them, so that you can win. 1 Corinthians 9:24
