They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their fathers and the warnings he had given them. They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them although the Lord had ordered them, “Do not do as they do,” and they did the things the Lord had forbidden them to do.

Isaiah is describing the state of the children of Israel as they sinned against the Lord and were sent into exile as a consequence. As they followed worthless idols their lives became worthless because of the emptiness of their pursuits. What is true back then is also true today for anyone who would pursue vain aspirations and worthless interests in this life. These pursuits become idolatrous because they dominate and dictate a life toward activities that ultimately worthless.

Anytime we place other pursuits and priorities above serving and obeying God, our self esteem and sense of worth are devalued because we intuitively know that we are wasting time, energy, and resources on worldly things that have no eternal value of significance.

I am inspired by these words to make my life count for eternity by investing my time, energy, focus and resources on advancing the Kingdom of God and bringing people into a relationship with Jesus. Making disciples for Christ is part of the call Jesus gave to His disciples and to everyone who decides to follow Jesus Christ.

I want to win many souls for Christ and help believers grow in their relationship with Jesus so they can, in turn, disciple others. I set my heart to discern what is worthless in this world and not allow it to become an idol in my life. It’s not worth it to allow my life to deteriorate into a life of worthlessness and barrenness. God has put it in my heart to be fruitful for His Kingdom and for eternity. My hope is that my example of leadership will touch my family and the people I pastor so they are inspired to live wholeheartedly for God and His purposes.

Thank you, Lord Jesus for making it clear through the mistakes of Israel centuries ago that it is so important to live a valuable lifestyle. Help me to discern that which is valuable and to purge the things in my life that would threaten fruitfulness and effectiveness. Help me to see the things in my life that could become idolatrous by spending too much time and energy on them. I set my heart to follow You and serve the living and true God. I was made to worship You and live for You with all my heart. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty and freedom. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I may discern what leads to a life of service and freedom from the gods of this world.