Matthew 24:36-44 is challenging....a powerful reminder/awakening. We often go through each day making plans for our precious life-another day/more time ahead. Scripture tells us that we are not guaranteed another hour/day-personally. We also do not know the hour that our Savior will return to take all His children home.
Perhaps some believe this to sound morbid and gloomy. As Christians,we are to look forward to this reward with anticipation and joy--that is challenging to me. We get wrapped up in our earthly life with family, friends, church, hobbies, serving. etc. While these activities are not inherently bad, we can allow them to distract our eternal focus. Scripture also tells us to be prudent and ready for our unknown appointed time. Why do we spend so much time and effort planning for our earthly life (vacations, retirement, the tomorrow's of life, careers, etc) and yet we often neglect/overlook preparing for the eternal life? To the faithful children of God, this is to be a glorious day.........to what extent do I/we truly believe this and live with an attitude that encompasses that confidence! Are you living your life in a state of readiness? Blessings in your pursuit.......TO
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Materialistic?
Who me? Are you?
We all have many blessings. It does seem as though we often measure them in a materialistic/worldly manner. Sometimes we seek a new car, bigger home, a second/vacation home, all the new technological gadgets, etc. Not that there are anything in particular wrong with having things..........but it's the attitude that motivates these possessions. Is our attitude to consume these for "self", or perhaps use them to share with others/build relationships and introduce God's love and Jesus?
I came across a couple passages recently that challenge my attitude on this subject. They remind that things of this earth are temporary and our permanent possession (everlasting life with our God) needs to be the focus. Read II Peter 3:3-13 and Matthew 6: 20-21. I ask myself, "what am I storing up and what is the reasoning" and "where is my heart focused"?
We all like to keep hold of certain memorabilia to recall memories of the past......again, nothing wrong with that emotional activity. But if not careful, we can become hoarders and allow material/earthly treasures to consume us. The challenge is to keep all facets of this life in a godly perspective-to look upward and not an earthly focus. A selfless, humble and serving attitude is the crux of our walk/journey. I recently disposed of some memorabilia from my college days- a couple medium size boxes. I had not looked at it much (if at all) in many years. It was a little difficult as I sorted through and reminisced........but what was important then, is not so much anymore. I have not since thought much about all I threw out. We came into this world with no possessions and we will depart in the same manner........we cannot take it with us. It's hard to imagine, but I must believe, that things that are important in this life, will lose that attachment in the life to come. Blessings in your pursuit.......TO
We all have many blessings. It does seem as though we often measure them in a materialistic/worldly manner. Sometimes we seek a new car, bigger home, a second/vacation home, all the new technological gadgets, etc. Not that there are anything in particular wrong with having things..........but it's the attitude that motivates these possessions. Is our attitude to consume these for "self", or perhaps use them to share with others/build relationships and introduce God's love and Jesus?
I came across a couple passages recently that challenge my attitude on this subject. They remind that things of this earth are temporary and our permanent possession (everlasting life with our God) needs to be the focus. Read II Peter 3:3-13 and Matthew 6: 20-21. I ask myself, "what am I storing up and what is the reasoning" and "where is my heart focused"?
We all like to keep hold of certain memorabilia to recall memories of the past......again, nothing wrong with that emotional activity. But if not careful, we can become hoarders and allow material/earthly treasures to consume us. The challenge is to keep all facets of this life in a godly perspective-to look upward and not an earthly focus. A selfless, humble and serving attitude is the crux of our walk/journey. I recently disposed of some memorabilia from my college days- a couple medium size boxes. I had not looked at it much (if at all) in many years. It was a little difficult as I sorted through and reminisced........but what was important then, is not so much anymore. I have not since thought much about all I threw out. We came into this world with no possessions and we will depart in the same manner........we cannot take it with us. It's hard to imagine, but I must believe, that things that are important in this life, will lose that attachment in the life to come. Blessings in your pursuit.......TO
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)