What is it that guides our lives?
Some things we do for sheer pleasure. Other things we do for survival.
Most of us need to work for a living and we count ourselves blessed if the work we do is interesting and meaningful for us. But whether meaningful or not - we have to work to support ourselves and our families. In this category we also include various chores associated with living - paying bills, taking out the trash, doing the wash, cooking meals and caring for children.
Commercial entertainment occupies a large place in American culture. Books, TV, movies, and sporting events are available to us through many sources and untold millions of hours are spent everyday consuming them.
Nature is a different sort of entertainment that people approach in different ways. We hike, climb, bike, hunt, birdwatch, fish or camp in "the great outdoors." We observe the wonders of the natural world and concern ourselves with the ecological health of the planet.
How do we rate the value of each activity in our lives? Is it the monetary value? Is it the relationship value? Is it the degree of pleasure we derive from it? Is it the idea that we are leaving a legacy?
In our secular society we find all of the above. But what about eternity? Is there any way we can invest in eternity and live to see the benefit of that investment?
Jesus said that we should "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." He told us that we should "store up treasures in heaven" that will endure for everlasting life.
How do we do that?
The simple truth is that our eternal destiny is tied to our relationship with Jesus. Repentance for sin, faith in Christ's atonement, sanctification through conformity to Jesus' sinless example, the fruit of the Spirit in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control - these are things that count for eternity and lead to behaviors that matter.
We still need to make a living, but why are we making a living? What are we doing with our living? How is our living reflecting our relationship with Jesus and moving other people toward a relationship with Him?
Don't just live - live for Jesus in a way that matters for eternity.
Some things we do for sheer pleasure. Other things we do for survival.
Most of us need to work for a living and we count ourselves blessed if the work we do is interesting and meaningful for us. But whether meaningful or not - we have to work to support ourselves and our families. In this category we also include various chores associated with living - paying bills, taking out the trash, doing the wash, cooking meals and caring for children.
Commercial entertainment occupies a large place in American culture. Books, TV, movies, and sporting events are available to us through many sources and untold millions of hours are spent everyday consuming them.
Nature is a different sort of entertainment that people approach in different ways. We hike, climb, bike, hunt, birdwatch, fish or camp in "the great outdoors." We observe the wonders of the natural world and concern ourselves with the ecological health of the planet.
How do we rate the value of each activity in our lives? Is it the monetary value? Is it the relationship value? Is it the degree of pleasure we derive from it? Is it the idea that we are leaving a legacy?
In our secular society we find all of the above. But what about eternity? Is there any way we can invest in eternity and live to see the benefit of that investment?
Jesus said that we should "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." He told us that we should "store up treasures in heaven" that will endure for everlasting life.
How do we do that?
The simple truth is that our eternal destiny is tied to our relationship with Jesus. Repentance for sin, faith in Christ's atonement, sanctification through conformity to Jesus' sinless example, the fruit of the Spirit in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control - these are things that count for eternity and lead to behaviors that matter.
We still need to make a living, but why are we making a living? What are we doing with our living? How is our living reflecting our relationship with Jesus and moving other people toward a relationship with Him?
Don't just live - live for Jesus in a way that matters for eternity.
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