Born Again Through the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23, NIV)

Born Again Through the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23, NIV)

Have you ever felt hopeless? Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, your life isn’t moving forward? Do you sometimes feel stagnant, trapped in a cycle where nothing seems to change?

When faced with these struggles, how do we respond? Many try to ignore their feelings or distract themselves—through entertainment, alcohol, or temporary pleasures. Some may recognize that these aren’t real solutions, yet they continue in the same patterns, unaware that the root problem is not just their circumstances but the way they are living their lives.

The Bible tells us that we are born again through the living and enduring word of God (1 Peter 1:23). This means true transformation doesn’t come from chasing temporary things but from living according to God’s truth.

Let’s look at two examples of misguided pursuits that lead to suffering:

1. The Pursuit of Beauty

Some people focus excessively on their appearance, believing it is the key to acceptance. They invest time, effort, and resources to maintain their looks. But as time passes, their youthful beauty fades. They find themselves desperately holding on, sacrificing more and more, only to realize they are losing something they can never truly keep. Eventually, they are left empty, frustrated, and even depressed.

2. The Pursuit of Deception

Others build their lives on lies—pretending to be someone they are not to gain approval. They fabricate stories, exaggerate achievements, or hide their true selves out of fear of rejection. But this life of deception brings anxiety, because they must constantly maintain their false image. The fear of being exposed leads to stress and isolation, making their lives miserable.

Both of these examples teach us an important lesson: pursuing temporary things leads to disappointment and

what seems right in our own eyes isn’t always true or fulfilling.
So, what should we pursue instead?

• Rather than chasing beauty, pursue wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. These qualities will help you make right decisions, discern truth from lies, and live a life of purpose.

• Rather than living a lie, embrace humility and integrity. Respect others without judging them based on appearance or status. When you live authentically, people will respect and accept you for who you truly are.

• Rather than fearing the opinions of others, trust in God’s plan for your life. Do your best, work diligently, and know that God is with you. He will bless your efforts and lead you to success in His time.

---

The world tells us to chase temporary things, but God calls us to something greater—a life transformed by His Word. When we live according to His truth, we are not bound by fleeting desires or worldly standards. Instead, we find lasting hope, purpose, and joy in Him.

So today, let us commit to pursuing what truly matters. Let us allow God’s Word to shape our hearts, renew our minds, and guide our steps. In doing so, we will experience the true life that He has prepared for us.