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As we drove home on Sunday, our conversations revolved around the themes of worldliness, “raisin cakes”, and covetousness. As Pastor Danny explained from Hosea 3, the children of Israel loved what their false gods provided for them—raisin cakes. So often the world appeals to our base desires—food, intimacy, comfort. We find these very perishable things alluring, even ascribing their acquisition to our own merits. We think like the children of Israel, “My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth” (Deut. 8:17). But just like the children of Israel, we must remember that the Lord gives us our food, families, and houses. He gives us much more than raisin cakes. Yet so often we live for the momentary pleasures that the world offers us.

The morning communion service similarly addressed our desire for the world and discontent with God’s provision. Luke 12:15 reads, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” What if God does not allow us our “raisin cakes”? God could give us that food, intimacy, or comfort, but instead He may say “no” and ask us to trust in Him.  

Worldliness is a constant pressure in our home. Watching a football game can seem innocuous until I notice how many games are being played and how much time my children spend in front of the TV. Is this a “raisin cake” that our world offers that is drawing my family away from God? There may not be anything wrong with the “raisin cake” in and of itself, but if I like it more than I like the Lord, then am I very different from Israel of old? On Sunday, we decided to have a quiet time for part of the day (no screens). I encouraged our children to read a book or play an instrument rather than spend the entire day watching football. We had a family devotional at suppertime and ended the day watching some of the Sunday Night Football game. May the Lord give me wisdom to lead my family to love the Lord the most.