Ah…..shoes. I have long been a shoe girl. Maybe it was my becoming a young woman in the midst of the corporate office world, where a beautiful shoe was considered the cornerstone to any outfit. Maybe it is just that there are so many different versions out there, you cannot help but always being on the lookout for the latest jewel.
In my early days, the shoes always had the highest heel. In my opinion, a simple black leather stiletto is still one of the sexiest ways to dress up any outfit, and a must have in any wardrobe (although mine are worn less and less these days lol). And who can deny a pair of red patent leather pumps as a pop of color when wearing black? My heels numbered high in the double digits, and I loved each and every one of them.
The Quintessential Shoe
As my years passed though, the higher heels became less appealing, and I began trading them in for the more comfortable flats. It was through this process, that I discovered the most perfect shoe. The name of this shoe is called The Point, and it is made by Rothy’s in San Francisco, CA. This shoe is one that I fell head over heels (ha…no pun intended) for instantly.
Some people like Rothy’s shoes because they are sustainable and made with recycled bottles (plastic bottles to be exact, though you would never know it by their feel). Some people like them because they are 100% machine washable and dry without issue. Some (my husband included) are impressed by their lack of visible wear after years of ownership and excessive use. For me, I just love the way they look. I love the way my feet feel in them, the many changing designs that they produce, and the fact that I can dress them up for work, or down with a pair of jeans on the weekends.
To be perfectly transparent, and to prove to you how much I love this brand, I have actually purchased 12 pairs of these shoes! I am obsessed!! I can wear them just about everywhere and in just about every climate. If I am lucky enough to be considered as part of your inner circle, you’ve heard me mention their name at least once.
But shouldn’t so much joy be reserved for less materialistic things?
Sure it should. True joy can only come from above. The hope of heaven is reserved for those who have put their trust in Christ, and who have invited the Holy Spirit to dwell within and through them.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Matthew 13:44
So what about my Rothy’s? Am I supposed to sell all 12 pairs so that I can gain the joy of heaven? I would say that if your answer is yes, then you haven’t yet found the point. Its not about giving up all you have here on earth, choosing to live in misery (and I would definitely be miserable without my perfect shoes), so that you can gain eternity in paradise.
When Jesus spoke these words, He was referring specifically to what is going on in your heart. Are you holding onto your shoes (or any other favorite item) so tight that you’d refuse to give them up if God asked? Does the idea of losing a pair make you sick to your stomach, to the point of protecting them under lock and key?
Treasures
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
There is nothing wrong with having beautiful shoes. There is nothing wrong with having 12 pairs of beautiful shoes (especially if those shoes are as universal and durable as my Rothy’s). The problem arises, when we place more importance on those treasures than we do on the One who created the means and the minds to manufacture those treasures.
There is no greater treasure than Christ Himself.
Who, being in very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:6-7
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:7-8
So, keep your beautiful shoes! Worship the Lord wearing those beautiful shoes!! (You’d better believe I’ll be wearing my Rothy’s next Sunday.) But make sure to check your heart on from where your true joy is coming. Are your storing up your treasure on earth, or are they in Heaven? That is a question that only you can answer.
