When I was four years old and Christmas came around, I had my little heart set on Polly Pockets. They were what I went to sleep at night thinking about and praying to receive during the holidays. I was full of excitement when I received different sets from people in my family.
A few years down the road, I was turning 9 and dreamed of an American Girl Doll that looked like me, a tiny bunk bed for her to “sleep” in, and fashionable clothes to adorn it. My dream came true and I couldn’t believe it. I immediately forgot about those tiny Polly Pockets that once filled my heart’s desires.
Many years passed, and I bore my own tiny baby. A perfect, plump, dimple-cheeked boy who was so beautiful. I couldn’t (and sometimes still can’t) stop looking at him, thanking God for the gift of a boy full of LIFE and JOY and EMOTIONS and everything about him is real. He is truly made in the wonderful image of God. I learn so much about God’s heart through parenting my son, and through his tender spirit and love for God, his family, and the people around him. What a gift. I have absolutely left the doll behind. The Polly Pockets and American Girl Doll once held my complete affection, until something of much greater value was placed into my hands.
Once there were things we all enjoyed (maybe even loved), until Jesus breathed LIFE into our lungs and now have something truly worthy of our affection. A relationship with Him is far greater than anything we can give to follow Him.
A hymn that has become an anthem in my life says it well:
“I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, I still will follow,
No turning back, no turning back.
My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus;
No turning back, No turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.”
Jesus is the the most worthy, loving, and loyal Father, Friend, and Lord. He is worth your time, money, resources, and anything you could leave behind to follow Him.
-Kait Richey
Practical Application: Ask Jesus to show you what you value most in your life, and if it is anything more than Him, offer it back to Jesus and repent. Idols are not just golden statues, but anything that takes the place of affection in your life that rightfully belongs to the Lord Jesus!