"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you in due time," 1 Peter 5:6
Not far from our house is a detail shop that services high-end vehicles. We keep a lookout as we pass it and occasionally we've seen a Labourghini there. Nick, like most boys his age, is smitten with cars and their specs. Cars as a status symbol is a world-wide epidemic. For example, look at this enormous red piece of evidence that satellites pick up from space.
Ferrari World, an incredible, high-tech indoor amusement park isn't located on the boot of Italy, but in the city of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates in the emirate of Abu Dhabi (yes, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi - like New York, New York. I suppose it was so much fun to say, they had to use it twice.). In one of the richest cities in the world, residents of Abu Dhabi see their share of luxury vehicles driving down the streets and through the open desert highways daily, many before they enter production.
As a result, Abu-Dhabi proves to be fertile ground for a Ferrari World featuring rides, simulators and other activities based on the Ferrari. One exhibit allows you to walk through a giant Ferrari engine to see in detail how these speed demons work. A roller coaster simulates a race between the two coaster cars which are designed to look like Ferraris, of course.
How quickly we learn to chase down upper crust status symbols, and it begins here on Main Street, U.S.A. with jeans and tennis shoes. I don't want Nick's clothing to make him to stand out like a sore thumb among his peers (unless he wants to), but neither do I want him to value status over quality. Quality lasts and serves the buyer while status symbols change and demand the buyer serve them through purchases and free advertising.
Which road would people say we walk? The bright, popular and active road of changing status symbols or the firm, substantial path of significance and purpose with our Eternal God? We must hold what's temporary with loose, nonchalant fingers while grasping our status as God's children with firm grips.
Father, we come to You today through Your Son Jesus Christ and Him alone. Our hearts bow before You to accept whatever You've designed and allowed into our lives, and the lives of those we love. Because You love us with a love we can't begin to understand, we can trust You and trust Your decisions. Because You see all the way to the end or our roads on earth, we accept the paths You've chosen for us and will allow You to point the way. Because You love others who are dying without You as much as You love us, we give our lives to show others the Way to You. Fill us with Your Spirit of Love and Wisdom. May we love as You love and trust You more today than yesterday.
In the Name of Jesus, The Way, the Truth and the Life
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