Do not be fooled by what appears as flourishing and thriving. Taking lessons, direction, or guidance from them can lead us astray. Popularity, the spotlight, advancement, and affluence do not necessarily mean something is good.

How many times have we, as believers, been thrilled by things that are thriving and immediately rushed to take lessons from them or even partake in them? Businesses, ventures, choices, relationships, and families are often built this way—all driven by our desire to replicate what we deem successful in others.

Were we not told not to covet others' possessions? Were we not reminded to be content with all things? Were we not told to come to God in thanksgiving, making our requests known to Him?

Deuteronomy 5:21 TPT "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor's house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Philippians 4:6 TPT "Don't be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life."

I was reminded today: the enemy cannot create. Anything outside of God cannot create. Its deceptive nature causes it to mimic God's provision for His children, to entice and lead us astray. It aims to make us define success by these fleeting terms and not by what God has said it is. It causes us to chase expectations and work towards them, failing to recognize that WE ARE PROVIDED FOR.

If we are the light and salt of the earth, we, as His children, are the seasoning to it. We won't compete for attention or strive to show off. We will be the example of God to others—the showpiece of His handywork, the vessels of His glory, showing forth in His praise in the things we do.

Matthew 5:13-14 TPT "Your lives are like salt among the people. But if you, like salt, become bland, how can your 'saltiness' be restored? Flavorless salt is good for nothing and will be thrown out and trampled on by others. 'Your lives light up the world. For how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop?'"

Peace, contentment, joy, and love will be the hallmark of our lives. Ultimately, we are God's handiwork. We are not simply His creation; we are a living, breathing reflection of Him.