Day 334: Skip the Candy

Today’s Scripture: 1 John 2:17

Central Thought: God desires for us to make the choices that carry an impact far beyond temporary pleasures.

My children frustrate me at times. I watch them work to earn money. They will count it each day to make sure not a cent was lost, while probably hoping that somehow the amount grew. Then when the big day comes that we go to the store to cash in their savings and buy what they want, they shop and consider their choices and look around some more—then buy candy.

I will try to persuade them to choose something a little more meaningful, something that will last more than a few licks and two hard bites. I usually fail. That is part of the deal—it is their money. They earned it, and this is their decision. (However, their mother and I do control the candy intake to avoid sugar rushes and damaged teeth.)

I know that there will be a time when my children value their money more and will make purchases that go beyond the temporary pleasure of candy. That is part of growing up. But they are not to that point yet.

For adults, our society offers its own alluring array of candies. I know that I have frustrated my heavenly Father with choices I have made. Part of growing up spiritually is learning to recognize what is temporary and what carries eternal significance, then making the choices God desires for us to make. Today’s passage promises a grand reward for those who follow God’s will: eternity with Him.

Devotional Prayer: Lord, please help me look beyond the temporary that I see so that I can make the decisions that You know are best for me in the big picture of eternity.

Today’s Bible Reading: Daniel 8:1-27; 1 John 2:1-17; Psalm 120:1-7; Proverbs 28:25-26