For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:25-26 KJV
The Inspiration:
Today's extract contains both statements and questions. Both are very definite, and make clear what God's mind on our earthly and eternal lives is. The world and its systems want us to focus on what we can get; the value of the things that we can see, touch, taste and hold. The Word of God would have me focus on the One who actually already owns and holds all these things, and can give them to whoever He pleases at whatever time He chooses. In my pursuit of impact and relevance down here, i must focus on the things that really matter, and that would be whatever God says is important. In the verses above, God makes it clear that I do not have control over my life the way the world wants me to think I have. I can strive to make healthy choices, eating and exercising the right way, yet by themselves alone, these cannot guarantee eternal life with God. I can make a song and a dance about commitment to church, yet not be known or recognized bythe owner of the church as one of His. What, then, is important and critical in these times?
The Contention:
The focus must be on the soul, that hidden part of man but the most important. All we do in the body flow from the mind and the heart. Decisions on what to do and how to do it flow from the heart. It is not a wonder then that the Word of God warns me to guard my heart with all diligence, because from it flow all the issues of life. The same God also charges me to love Him with all I am, including my soul. The power of the invisible drives the visible. I can take all the steps required to give myself a good life but is that all there is to this life? Was I not made for more than just eating, drinking and then dying? Would God be so clueless that He will take time to create complex beings like myself, and then not have a plan for me? Definitely, God is not that kind of creator. He is interested in the content, character, composition, and continuity of the vessel He has made. That is why I must go to Him at all times for help and guidance every day. I cannot get it right by myself.
The Conclusion:
The world will promote its attractions; the Word of God does the same too. The end of all we see today is a fire that will not be quenched. Make good use of all the world's provisions, but don't be ruled by them. Enjoy all that life provides, but keep an eye on your journey to eternity. There is no price too high to pay to secure eternal life with God. If I deny myself worldly pleasures today, I have indeed lost nothing because there is nothing this world gives you that it will not find a way to take back from you eventually. The world itself is temporary, so there is nothing it can give you that can be permanent, because you can't give what you don't have. God is the One who is eternal, and His provisions are good for all of life and Godliness. Make sure that together with all that you attain on earth, you also retain that healthy, thriving relationship with God. That is what guarantees eternal life with God. Nothing in my hands right now can pay for missing eternal life. God's time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment