By Authrine Dryden
Next, the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
“I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, “You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.”
Matthew 4:8-10
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. “But the gateway to life is very narrow, and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14
In a bustling city, a young professional named Sarah received a job offer that promised a hefty salary and a prestigious title. The glittering opportunity dazzled her, drawing her away from her passion for community service. As she prepared to accept the position, a mentor reminded her of her true calling and the fulfilment she found in helping others. Torn between the allure of success and her genuine passion, Sarah took a moment to pray for guidance. Realising that the job, though enticing, was a counterfeit of true joy, she chose to follow her heart. In doing so, she opened the door to a fulfilling career that aligned with her values, discovering that the greatest treasures often lie in serving others, not just in climbing the corporate ladder.
In the Gospel of Matthew, we find powerful narratives that reveal the nature of temptation and the allure of what seems appealing but is deceptive. In Matthew 4:8-10, we see Satan tempting Jesus in the wilderness. He offers the world kingdoms and glory, but these temptations are a façade—what glitters but holds no true value.
Satan’s offer is significant for several reasons. Firstly, he tries to present authority and power as something he can give. Yet, all the kingdoms of the world already belong to Christ. Satan’s proposition is a counterfeit, an illusion that distracts us from the true authority and fulfilment found in God. This highlights a crucial truth: when the glittering distractions of the world tempt us, we must remember that they often are what is not truly ours to have.
Jesus responds firmly, saying that we should worship the Lord alone (Matt 4:10). This rejection of counterfeit power teaches us that our allegiance should not be to fleeting treasures but to the eternal God, who is the source of all true glory. Moreover, in Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus speaks about the narrow gate that leads to life versus the wide road that leads to destruction. The wide road may glitter with the appeal of popularity, success, and ease, yet it leads away from the life God intends for us. The narrow gate, though less travelled, offers true enrichment and purpose.
Christians are called to discern the difference between what is genuinely good and what merely appears good. The enemy often cloaks temptation in beauty and desirability, leading us to chase after things that can never satisfy our deepest longings. In a world filled with distractions, we must remember that what glitters is not always gold. Let us hold fast to the truth that our identity and worth are found in Christ and Christ alone. As we navigate our lives, may we choose the narrow path, recognising that what God has for us is far greater than anything the world can offer.
Ask: What specific areas in your life are you tempted to pursue for their glittering appeal rather than seeking God’s true purpose?
Seek: How can you actively seek God’s guidance in distinguishing between what is truly valuable and merely a counterfeit temptation?
Knock: What steps can you take to open the door to deeper intimacy with God, ensuring you prioritise His presence over worldly distractions?
