Have you ever seen something that looked amazing? You looked it over with joy and excitement. Because of the looks, you made the purchase. After some time, you discovered that the item wasn’t as advertised. The beauty faded. Gone were the days of sparkle and shine. Therefore, everything with glitter ain’t gold.
The Story: Joshua 9
In Joshua 9, the men of neighboring areas heard of Joshua’s conquest at Jericho and Ai. As a result, the people of Gibeon decided to approach Israel in a crafty manner. They wore torn clothes and sandals and took patched wineskins along with old bread. When they approached, they stated that they traveled from a far country and sought refuge in Israel. As proof, they displayed the state of their clothes and food. In addition, they used flattery and spoke of the reputation of God throughout the land.
Because of the words from the people of Gibeon and their appearance, the Israelites didn’t seek God but accepted what was before them. Israel provided them with provisions and made a covenant with them. Afterward, Israel learned that the people of Gibeon were actually their neighbors. Because of their deception, Joshua sentenced them to a legacy of servitude as cutters and gatherers of firewood.
The Lesson
How many times have we been like the people of Israel? We place our trust in people who aren’t who they claim to be. As a result, we choose to believe what’s offered. Only to later discover that glitter ain’t gold. Furthermore, there’s even a TV show designed to unmask the gold and reveal the glitter. Has anyone heard of “Catfish”? This show helps people uncover the truth about someone they fell in love with online. At the end of each episode, the person learns that they never truly knew the person on the other side of the computer. Unfortunately, the perpetrator provided a false identity and “catfished” the unsuspecting person.
However, we don’t have to live in a perpetual state of being “catfished.” Whether in a relationship or business or just life, we can remove the rose-colored glasses and accept that everything that glitters ain’t gold. But how?
- Listen. Open your ears to hear what’s said and not said. People speak what they want others to know. However, an incomplete story reveals more than what people actually say.
- Check with God. He desires the best for you and will give you insight. Seek and follow what He reveals.
- Monitor the heart. Your heart can overlook the glitter. The heart will flutter at a soft word or even a smile. Therefore, you can’t allow it to lead.
- Give space to instinct. You have a built-in checker. If something seems off, follow your intuition. Trust yourself.
- Still unsure, get support. Ask your trusted tribe. There’s safety in numbers so allow them to review the situation and offer some feedback.
As a result, when people show you who they are, believe them because glitter ain’t gold.
