Power in our world is all about Status, Performance, and Appearance (SPA). People in our global society lust after and sometimes even fear the “beautiful people” who are the elite. The success of talk shows, newscasts, magazines, movies, sportscasts, elections, and events are determined by the presence of superstars. We cannot get enough of the high profile notwithstanding some well-known politicians 😊. The “crème de la crème” are worshipped by this world.
The Bible tells us that SPA is the system of this world. 1 John 2:15-17, forewarns us, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (SPA) —comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires (SPA) pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
The devil is directing the entire show. 1 John 5:19 states, “the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” Pride’s his game. The more you lust for SPA living for your own interests alone and the subsequent envy and even hatred from others who you bulldozed over and bragged about, the better. James 3:14&15 are eye-opening, “If you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
If you are a Christ-follower and living in the above environment, you have forgotten the spiritual ABC’s:
- Focus your ADORATION on Jesus. 1 Chronicles 29:11-14 is a gorgeous passage, “Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head overall. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.”
- Be BUILT UP by His Word. Matthew 7:24 “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” John 17:15&17 is a dynamic word, “My prayer is not that you take them (Christ-followers) out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one…Sanctify (restore and build them up) by the truth; your word is truth.”
- Show Holy Spirit inspired COMPASSION to the world. Colossians 3:12&13 are awesome, “as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with COMPASSION, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” It starts with compassion. Then on top of that be kind, humble, gentle, and patient.
It is time for us to rid ourselves of a mind set on SPA and turn our thoughts focused on the spiritual ABC’s.
Barnabas Man 