Hebrews 13:5-6

Hebrews 13:5-6

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

 

Our focus in life tends to dictate our thoughts, emotions, and actions. If we are focused on pursuing things in this life, then we are going to drive like mad to achieve those things. And it’s very likely that we are never going to be satisfied…we are never going to get enough of what we are pursuing, and as a result, we are likely going to be wrecked with worry, stress, and uncertainty. But what if we focused on the end game? What if each and every day, we kept our eye on the prize that awaits us at the finish line? Imagine the positive impact we would see if every day, we focused on the reality that when this brief life comes to a close, we are destined for glory in heaven with God. We are destined for a place that is void of worry, stress, anxiety, discomfort, and anything and everything that is sinful. I am confident that our outlook on this life would be MUCH better. We would still welcome the gifts God provides like money, a home, vehicles, clothes…all the comforts of life that have been given as gifts from God. But those things wouldn’t consume us. We wouldn’t get all knotted up about whether or not we are making enough money or if we were impressing our friends with a new car or big house. We would be overwhelmed with making sure our kid was the star on the soccer team or shot to the top of the class in school. We would still work hard each day to use the gifts that God has provided, but those gifts wouldn’t become burdens…those gifts wouldn’t become the driving focus for our lives. They would simply be a part of life. We probably also wouldn’t fret and worry over death all that much. Face it, we are all dying a little bit each day…just at a very slow pace. But one day, the curtain will close for each of us…and that is going to be one fantastic day of great celebration. No, I’m not nuts, rather I am keying on the fact that when we close our eyes for the final time on this earth, it’s not the end all be all. No, I am confident we will then open our eyes to an incredible site in heaven. There before us will be family and friends that have checked out of this world before us, welcoming us home…and the Man of all men, Jesus himself, standing arms wide open, calling us home. Wow...pause and give that some thought for a minute or two. There is nothing that any person in this life can do to change that. If we choose to stay committed and faithful to Christ, then Christ will remain committed and faithful to us, and our ticket will be punched! As we stand before the throne of God, Jesus will call us his very own…we will be seen as righteous, blameless, and worthy before the Lord. May we set our sights on the Lord each day, finding peace, contentment, and comfort in knowing that a great treasure awaits us after this brief stop we have in this place called earth. Next stop…Heaven!!! To God alone be the glory!