CHEAP SUBSTITUTES
Kendra Intihar
Today’s Scripture: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10, ESV
Theme: As the New Year begins, consider this: Compared to the attractions this world offers, Jesus provides something much deeper and more fulfilling.
ANYTHING BUT THE METRIC SYSTEM
There is a popular meme category called “Americans will use anything but the metric system.” Have you seen it? A news article will say something like, “An adult deer weighs the same as 800 hamburgers.” Or “The sinkhole was the size of approximately seven washing machines.” Every time I see one, it makes me giggle, but it’s hard not to see how absurd it is that we prefer to measure in hamburgers and washing machines when actual units of weight exist.
BURSTING AT THE SEAMS
It’s interesting to think of all the ways we exchange what’s “best” for what’s convenient. For example, I grew up thinking that I could never repeat an outfit for school because I didn’t want anyone to know my family didn’t have money. We certainly didn’t have the resources for my shopping habit, which means I relied on “fast fashion” (cheaply made, trendy clothing I could get in large quantities) to fill my closet. And boy, was it full. I cannot imagine being a teenager with companies like Temu and Shein right at my fingertips like teens have today…my tiny bedroom would’ve burst at the seams, much like the clothing I was buying.
I didn’t realize what a trap that lifestyle was until I was in college. I had a professor from France who rotated between approximately fifteen versatile articles of clothing – my first glimpse into the idea of a “capsule wardrobe.” She was the most put-together woman I had ever seen, and her clothes were timeless, high quality, and so flattering. Having her model responsible fashion made me realize that I could invest in fewer items of great quality instead of living in a constant cycle of buying inexpensive, disposable clothes.
THE DESIRE FOR FULFILLMENT
Just like “fast fashion” is a cheap substitute for durable fashion, there are many other ways we settle for cheap substitutes in our lives. Pornography, for example, is a cheap substitute for genuine intimate connection. Scrolling through social media is a cheap substitute for rest. Distraction is a cheap substitute for dealing with problems. Judgmental attitudes are a cheap substitute for thoughtful curiosity or self-evaluation. Punishment is a cheap substitute for discipline. Drug and alcohol abuse are cheap substitutes for emotional fulfillment.
We were designed to live in authenticity, but when “the real thing” isn’t available or convenient, we often find ourselves settling for the cheap substitute, and sometimes even preferring it. This is never truer than the way the world has created ways to fill the void in our soul that longs for a relationship with Jesus. In fact, even “good things” like our family, our career, and our hobbies and interests can be cheap substitutes when we use them to satisfy our soul instead of relying on Jesus.
- Our best rest is in the Lord. (Matthew 11:28)
- Our highest joy is in the Lord. (Romans 15:13)
- Our greatest treasure is in the Lord. (Matthew 6:19-21)
- The provision for our every need is in the Lord. (Matthew 6:26)
We are all tempted to fill the empty spaces in our souls with cheap substitutes, but God, the Creator of the universe (and of you and me!) knew that we would be prone to exchanging His best for all sorts of other stuff. He has given us a deep desire to know Him, and He has provided us with the Holy Spirit who gently corrects us when the things of this world seep into our hearts.
Make it personal: Nothing can satisfy our souls like a relationship with Jesus because we were specifically created to find our fulfillment in Him. Finding our ultimate fulfillment in anything else is like wedging the wrong puzzle piece where it doesn’t belong. It may kind of fit, but we know there’s something better by design. Where are you wedging the “easy” or “convenient” thing into your life instead of finding your joy and fulfillment in Christ? Ask God to show you your “cheap substitutes,” and pray for wisdom about how to trade them for the authentic joy of Christ.
Pray: Lord, I acknowledge that my life is full of imperfect substitutes for Your authentic presence in my life. Thank you for creating me to be in relationship with You. Give me wisdom and discernment to see where I am trading Your best for cheap substitutes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Colossians 3:1-17; John 15:11; Psalm 51:10
Weekly Memory Verse: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10, ESV