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My Name is Ryan Mathews and I am a follower of Christ. I am currently an Outfielder in the Oakland Athletics Organization. I grew up in Orlando, FL and played baseball at NC State.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

This World

"Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." - 1 John 2:15-17

Why is it so easy to try and find happiness in the things we see in this world? Why is it in our minds that we often think we're so close to getting what's going to finally make us happy? Do you ever find yourself longing for something to make you feel good, something to lift your spirits, or something to make you feel better about yourself? I know I find myself constantly looking towards things in this world for enjoyment, satisfaction, and for them to actually satisfy my heart. What happens when we look towards things other than Christ to satisfy our innermost desires? 

"But when you ask God for wisdom, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do." - James 1:6-8

Have you ever felt like your life was unstable? Have you ever wanted more consistency with the course of your life? I know I certainly do and I've been able to realize that it doesn't come from this world. When I try to fulfill myself with things of this world I will always be unstable and unsatisfied with what it gives me in return. I have often times found myself with my main focus on things of this world and at the same time still trying to serve Christ. This verse has taught me that if I want to follow God, my faith has to be completely in Him alone.