“Oh, that’s not true. It is just a myth!” How often has this declaration kept us from believing an otherwise attractive option?
Myths swirl around us like rumors. Yet, when we allow a myth to lure us into believing it is true, we bring harm to ourselves and those in our sphere of influence. A myth is a fallacy, an error, a misconception, a mistake. In contrast, God’s “…word is eternal, it stands firm in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89).
Here are 4 alluring—even addicting—myths, and God’s Truth to counter:
Balance is a myth.
Balance in life presents itself as a desirable goal. However, if we are not careful, balance (defined as a situation in which different elements are equal ...) can serve as a taskmaster and drive us to pursue the unachievable. Life is an ebb and flow like the tide, and seasons of the surge are generally followed by seasons of reprieve. Such awareness allows us to contribute to the reality at hand and realize that the gush and rush will give way to recede and regroup. A mother with a sick child, an editor with a deadline, a hostess with a house full of guests, or a student with a project due all have to push; balance is nowhere to be found. Right? But once the guests leave or when the paper is submitted, there is, then, time to reestablish equilibrium.
Truth: “As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night” (Genesis 8:22).
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
Control is a myth.
In the words of my friend Dr. Bill Lawrence, “Control is a myth.” Think about this: Control belongs only to God. In an attempt to control our spouse, our roommate, our circumstances, our future, we harm ourselves and damage relationships. The release of realities and relationships into the Hands of God brings rest, deep soul rest.
Truth: “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 AMP).
“Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash” (Job 37:15)?
“Our God is in heaven. He does whatever pleases Him” (Psalm 115:3).
More is a myth.
“More is not better, it is just more.” This line from a long-ago movie stuck with me. And, in a recent conversation with my adult daughter, I found myself going even further to say, “Sweetheart, less is enough.” When driven beyond reason to accomplish more, create more, acquire more, or do more we are robbed of the pure and simple joy of enough.
Truth: “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
Normal is a myth.
Like balance, control, and more, normal is also a myth. In adopting the mindset of: “When this crisis is over, we will be able to get back to normal,” we set ourselves up for a lifestyle of instability and make our peace contingent on our circumstances.
Truth: “My soul rests in God alone.; my salvation comes from him” (Psalm 62:1).
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
Myths are sinking sand; God’s Word firmly stands.
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
Which myth particularly threatens to lure you away from God and His truth?
What is another myth that you think we easily buy into?
Please add your thoughts to the discussion.
