All that Glitters is not Gold!

All that Glitters is not Gold!

An old cliche that many people still do not adhere to as they attempt to reach the heights of wealth, popularity, and most of all the status of being the best above everyone else.  It reminds me of the day two of my grade school buddies and I were running home and I outran them.  When we reached our intended target my comment was I guess now I can be Capt. Marvel (a popular radio hero at that time).  The one who was Capt. Marvel swung and broke my nose, not wanting to lose his status.  

The next morning as we were arriving for classes this same student came into the room and walked by me saying he was sorry.  I quickly told him it was ok.  Some of the students thought I was going to challenge him to a fight, and were disappointed that it did not occur.  Two important factors arose that morning.  My friend found what humility is about and I discovered that forgiveness plays a very important part in our struggle to be first.

A constant issue that confronts all of us as we attempt to do the right thing as we mature but on the way discover something that shines with a promise of success in our endeavor to exceed.  Here, we quickly can be drawn into a light so bright that we are temporarily blinded by power.  The incident between myself and a school buddy was a common occurrence with school age children, but when it becomes too common among adults the ultimate result proves to be disastrous.  Yet, social events like that are too common and the end result buries many in shame or felonious activities.  

On the road to glory that Christ talked about has been a constant weighing of the mind over matter.  It presents the attraction to sin that appears as wonderful and the need to acquire some or all of its luster calls our carnal attitude in place of the promise of eternal peace with God.  Jesus told his listeners; “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many.  How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.  And those who find it are few.”  (Mt 7: 13 - 14).

We are always traveling to find the Way to Christ until a detour pops up and tells us to turn away from the direction we’ve been on.  Without the grace that God gives us we will only see the path that becomes a dead end.  Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, if each of us adheres to him, we are able to avoid the false signs that place us on that wide and attractive road that will end in the essence of perdition.  

Treasures that shine before us promising the very dreams we want so badly, will quickly darken when we reach the end of our journey.  The treasures we are seeking will come to fruition once we take our place on the path which is narrow and has no detours allowing our steps to find peace and true life with God.  The choice is ours and those we walk with are the partners and heirs of Christ.

Ralph B. Hathaway