All That Glitters
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica. – 2 Timothy 4:10.
In Lima, Peru at their famous gold museum (Museo de Oro) apparently all that glitters is not gold. Many of the ceremonial daggers, jewelry, ornaments, and other artifacts have been found to be only replicas. It is estimated as many as 85% are copies and only 15% are the real thing. The 20,000 artifacts held by Museo de Oro have been displayed across the world. The museum may now face fines and other sanctions as a result of their actions.
The world presents itself as glittering gold but the truth is that the world’s riches are much like the gold of the Museo de Oro. Adam and Eve found out the fruit of the forbidden tree was not as sweet as they had thought when living the rest of their lives with the consequences. The Children of Israel continually lusted after the world and judgment fell upon them in horrible ways. The prodigal son wanted what the world had to offer but found himself ready to eat the slop of the hogs as a result.
The world presents itself as glittering gold but we know the truth is that the glitter is false. We have a choice. We can drink of the spit of this world or of the River of Life from our Lord. We can eat of the hog slop of the world or we can eat of the Bread of Life. Have you “loved this present world?” Have you believed a lie? Give up the fool’s gold of the world and grab hold of the real thing. Seek God with all your heart (Psalm 119:9-16). Resist the devil and draw near to God (James 4:7-8). Listen to wisdom (Proverbs 8:1-11).
(All that glitters is not gold in this present world or in the spiritual world.)