What if our pursuit of happiness is a dead end?

The world dangles carrots for us to chase – influence, financial security, beauty, and comfort.

What if the world is selling a lie?
What if Father knows best?

Jesus doesn’t fall for the world’s lies so He can help us resist too.

Satan tempts Jesus with all the things we crave – power, privilege, applause, all the shiny things. Jesus responds, telling Satan to get lost.

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Matthew 4:8-10

When the world whispers false promises, we can respond with truth like Jesus did.

The Command Behind Jesus’ Response

I used to think Jesus quotes the First Commandment: You shall have no other gods before me. But actually, Jesus points to the Shema, a powerful proclamation that shapes every aspect of Jewish life. God instructs the Israelites to speak about, write about, and teach every generation about the declaration. Faithful Jews repeat it multiple times a day.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Impress [these commands] on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 6:5,7

The Shema begins, “Listen obediently, Israel,” and comes with a promise and a warning.

The Promise Has Conditions

God longs to bless us, but only when we put Him first.

When life feels comfortable and secure, remember that everything you have comes from God.

When the world entices with ‘better’ offers, stay focused on God who lives in you and wants all of you for Himself.

If you “do what is right; do what is good in God’s sight,” you’ll live a good life. Deuteronomy 6:17-18

Ignore God’s commands and find disappointment.

Worship: God vs. the Alternatives

True worship isn’t just singing songs. Worship expresses extravagant respect, honor, adoration, and allegiance.

Jesus tells the Samaritan woman “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth,” (John 4:22-24), connecting a humble and pure heart with the truth about God’s salvation through Jesus.

Only God redeems our poor choices. Humbly and obediently following His ways leads to a fulfilling life. Worshiping the world’s alternatives leaves us longing.

Self-help books reveal the gods we elevate over the One True God:

• Love yourself more
• Gain power with confidence
• Build better habits for success

Shmaltzy advertisements parade the world’s gods for our perusal:

• Find the perfect partner!
• Unlock the secret to youth and beauty!
• Turn heads with this [body, dress, car, watch]!

Many of these aren’t inherently bad, but the happiness they offer ends in disappointment.

The Path to Lasting Fulfillment

Only God satisfies. He alone deserves our deepest allegiance. The world promises fleeting happiness, but God offers true, eternal fulfillment.

God works for the good of those who love him.
Romans 8:28

Our Creator, the perfect Father, knows best. His commands are not restrictions—they’re invitations into the abundant life He designed for us.

If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31

The enemy is against us. He wants to distract and deceive us—to sow doubt. But we don’t have to fall for the world’s lies. Instead, we can anchor ourselves in the truth that Jesus is our all-in-one path to fulfillment.

Steps to Choose God’s Way Over the World’s Lies

1. Refocus Your Worship – Take inventory of where you spent your time, energy, and money over the last month. Are you chasing things that won’t satisfy?
2. Shape Your Life –Thoughtfully repeat the Lord’s Prayer 2-3 times every day until Easter. Let God’s Word shape your desires.
3. Pray –Pray for strength to resist false promises and the courage to follow a counter-cultural path.
4. Build a Spiritual Family – Join a Christ-centered community that will support and challenge you to pursue God’s best for your life.

The world sells quick fixes.
Jesus provides lasting joy and purpose.
Chase after Him.

Follow our Lenten Journey: 
This is the 4th in a series of posts following Jesus into the wilderness to be tested.

• Discover the difference between a test and a temptation.
• Learn why Jesus resists turning stones into bread to satisfy His hunger.
• Read the story behind Jesus’ refusal to test God’s protection.

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