A Warning About Materialism
It is easy to put emphasis on gifts at Christmas and to forget what is really important. The reality is that the material gifts we give will not last. In fact, all of them and everything we see with our eyes will be burned up one day.(II Peter 3:11,12) Therefore, we must not put our emphasis on material things, but on holy conduct and godliness. These are the only things that bring anything that will last for eternity.
One day this earth and the heavens above the earth will be burned up with fervent heat. They are all corrupted by sin, so God is going to start over by making a new heaven and a new earth. The same is true for us as people. We are all corrupted by sin, so we need a new start by being "born again" as we repent of our sins and trust Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Then, God makes us into a new person. Therefore, those of us who are new creatures must not let ourselves focus on the material things of life, but the spiritual things. When everything is burned up, the only thing that will matter is how have we done in living holy lives and being godly people by doing God's will.
This Christmas my prayer for all of us is that we will focus on eternal things like loving the Lord and people more. Let's be determined to give the gifts that please the Lord and show our love for people, especially those who need to know Christ. Remember, Christmas is Jesus, and life is in Him, not in stuff.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I John 1-3.
One day this earth and the heavens above the earth will be burned up with fervent heat. They are all corrupted by sin, so God is going to start over by making a new heaven and a new earth. The same is true for us as people. We are all corrupted by sin, so we need a new start by being "born again" as we repent of our sins and trust Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Then, God makes us into a new person. Therefore, those of us who are new creatures must not let ourselves focus on the material things of life, but the spiritual things. When everything is burned up, the only thing that will matter is how have we done in living holy lives and being godly people by doing God's will.
This Christmas my prayer for all of us is that we will focus on eternal things like loving the Lord and people more. Let's be determined to give the gifts that please the Lord and show our love for people, especially those who need to know Christ. Remember, Christmas is Jesus, and life is in Him, not in stuff.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I John 1-3.