Priorities for this Life
I see so many Christians who are working long hours and saving all of their money in pursuit of things they think are valuable. Many want their dream home, even if it takes years to be able to afford it. Others want just the right car or truck. Still others have a bucket list of things to do before they die. This list might contain places to which to travel or participating in various activities. Whatever we pursue takes us much of our time and effort. All of this for some pleasure for a few years when compared to what will happen in eternity. Why do I mention these things? The Bible is very clear that the day of the Lord is coming. (II Peter 3:10,11) When all is said and done, Jesus will wrap up the things of this universe including the earth and all its works. All of it will be burned up with intense heat. Everything here will be gone forever. Since this is true, what sort of people ought we to be in holy conduct and godliness? This is a sobering question for all believers today.
If we work so hard for the things of this world that we believe will bring us pleasure or satisfaction, but we do not have time to pursue holy conduct and godliness, what good will it have done us? Maybe I should ask, what harm will it have done to us? God sees what is important to us. Often, we can tell this too by looking at our calendar and our bank account. Those who know Jesus will be judged on how we lived for Him in this life. God will be looking for holy conduct and godliness. If He doesn't find it, we will enter heaven by the skin of our teeth, and we will miss out on the rewards and benefits of living a life that was pleasing to God. However, if we spend our life here, working on things that last, we will have those things with us forever. The people we influence to come to Christ will be there to thank us and to have fellowship with us. The works we did because the Lord directed us and gifted us to do them for Him will have lasting benefits, such as a better standing in heaven. All of those things should be our priorities in this life, not the things that will be burned up and lost forever. I pray for all of us, as believers, to read these verses and let the Lord speak to us about how to spend our lives and benefit forever.
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Tomorrow, I intend to read I John 2-4.