Today’s Scripture: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29

For 30 seconds of airtime during this past Super Bowl, advertisers paid $4.5 million dollars. Why do large, profitable companies pay this kind of money? It is because these commercials are effective. Viewers buy products that are featured in prime time.

Television commercials are effective because advertising agencies combine the right buzz words and visual effects to make the consumer feel he has to have a new car, a better cell phone, or a trip to a sunny destination. The best commercials make people feel as though they are incomplete without that must-have product. Making that big purchase will improve their image, help them get a promotion, find a mate, or stand out in their community.

Image is important, but pressure from the secular society tends to urge us to focus on the wrong image-what others think of us. God says we should focus on another, more important image-what He thinks of us. The world’s motives are not in our best interests. Companies only wish to make money, not help us improve our lot in life. However, God is interested in our welfare. He wants what is best for us.

That’s why it’s so important to focus on becoming more Christ-like instead of more worldly. Instead of spending excessive amounts on the latest gadgetry, we should invest in God’s kingdom. Why? Because conforming to the image of Christ is in our best interest.

Don’t be fooled by the pizzazz of high-priced commercials. Your deepest needs are not external, but spiritual.

Devotional by Dr. James A. Scudder