Maybe you’ve heard of the English explorer, Martin Frobisher (best known for his exploration and discovery of the Frobisher Bay in Canada) or perhaps not.
I’m not much of a history buff, but a particular piece of Frobisher’s story contains an intriguing life-lesson that is worthy of exploration.
During the latter part of the 16th century, Frobisher made three trips to Canada whereupon he discovered a black stone that was believed to contain gold. Queen Elizabeth I commissioned his last voyage of 15 vessels to establish a colony and return more of this precious stone. The settlement was a failure; however, Frobisher returned to England with 1,350 tons of black ore. I’m confident, Frobisher was riding high on his accomplishments! Yet, his success quickly vanished when it was discovered the "gold" was actually iron pyrite and worthless. His significant discovery of "fool's gold" cost him everything-- his reputation, livelihood, and finances.
Lesson - pursuing “fool’s gold” can cost you everything.
Alright, I know you are thinking- “So what? I don’t mine for gold.”
Oh, but sadly many people do- they just don't realize what they are pursuing is worthless and can lead to absolute ruin.
This pursuit of “fool’s gold” comes in the form of unfaithfulness.
Super touchy subject, but I’m going to go there anyway and call a spade-a-spade:
Adultery
Infidelity
Betrayal
Deception
Lies
Disloyalty
ALL FORMS OF UNFAITHFULNESS & ALL FOOL’S GOLD.
Most folks would agree the above are reprehensible; unless you find yourself like Frobisher on a voyage that happens to contain these elements- then you resort to justification, rationalization and you pursue your passions believing they are to your gain.
Don't be fooled; unfaithfulness never pays off.
In fact, God doesn’t just encourage faithfulness He commands it- “You shall NOT commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14). His commands are for our betterment and to protect our most precious relationships; failing to heed His commands always carries inescapable consequences.
I’ve experienced these consequences first-hand in my own life and have watched them unfold in so many others- the fact is that we are all broken people and will always be tempted by unfaithfulness whether it is struggling to be faithful in our marriages, to our families or even to God!
Just like last week’s lesson on the path to wisdom, wisdom comes directly from God, and those that seek wisdom ACTIVELY pursue faithfulness, integrity, honesty, commitment, discipline, self-control, contentment, and loyalty.
Sometimes the hardest thing about wisdom is that you have to learn first before you can master it- the trick is to not hurt yourself or others too severely in the process.
The great part is that we have a teacher and text that gives insight into the ways of mastering faithfulness. King David, the very man that God said was after His own heart, struggled with unfaithfulness and the consequences it rendered- adultery, betrayal, deceit, murder and the death of an innocent child.
It is through King David’s example that his son, King Solomon penned the following advice:
Diligently avoid unfaithfulness. (Proverbs 6:23)
Unfaithfulness cannot be hidden from God and has consequences. (Proverbs 24:12)
Hold tight to God’s commands. (Proverbs 6:20-22)
Unfaithfulness begins first in the mind. (Proverbs 6:25)
Unfaithfulness destroys us and others. (Proverbs 6:32)
Unfaithfulness will never be to your advantage no matter how you pursue it or paint it - it will always be a big ole black rock that is worthless!
So, be wise & pursue what is real so that the payoff is worthy of being called gold!
Father, thank you for the gift of wisdom and for those that have provided guidance on how to live life in a way that we may be blessed. It is through your word that we can find the guide to a richness in the things that matter- you, relationship, reputation, and integrity. When we walk in obedience to your commands, we can live a life that is worthy and can leave behind a sparkling legacy.
"He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.” ~ Luke 16:10