I can’t shake this heavy heart. Stepped into the world and saw what it really is. Observed the world we live in and the people we share it with. These people need Christ. I found myself broken from the lack of value people have placed on themselves. They have devalued themselves to be a physical object of lust and temporary gratification. Identity is found in places where darkness flourishes, where temporary pleasures are the only treasure.

Isaiah 42:17 says this—“But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame.” The idol that most people worship is their own image. This image-idol is about how well you can portray your financial situation, your attitude, your social status, and your physical appearance. Image is important, especially for the Christian. But the image we should be portraying is the image of Jesus Christ. He is everything. People should see Jesus when they look at us. Since this world is starving for the love of Christ to fill these empty voids currently being filled with shallow pride and self-indulgence, image is critical.

Don’t be mistaken. This isn’t an excuse to become prideful or self-righteous. This is a reason to humble ourselves to allow Christ to work through us to show His love. I recently experienced a world I had said goodbye to a long time ago. A world I had not been surrounded by for quite some time. Being encircled by Christian friends and enjoying events put on my fellow believers has stifled my perception of the world we live in. It’s dark. It’s craving a reason to be valued. These temporary satisfactions are crippling our humanity. This is the world we live in. My heart breaks for it. People are worth so much more than this world tells us we are. 1 Corinthians 6:20—“you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”