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“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their
soul?” –Mark 8:36
When I was just a young boy, probably eight or nine, my
friend’s dad once said, “There are only
two things that are guaranteed. You pay
taxes and you die.” It is one of
those cliché’s that for some reason stick with you for the entirety of your
life, whether you want it to or not. But
there is some truth in that simple statement.
In one way, shape or form we are all paying taxes on the things we
consume, on our income, on our homes and on our possessions. In addition, I
have yet to meet someone who has defeated death.
The average lifespan for males today is 75 years and for females it is 80 years
(University of Washington study, June 2011).
I know it’s not pleasant to discuss the mortality aspect of life, but it
is a reality. Despite how much we
accumulate in this life, little or much, we all end the same way. You and those around you will all reach that
point where that last breath will leave your body and your soul will depart
from the flesh and bones that have sustained it for all these years. We aren’t in control of that moment, but we
do have the opportunity to control what happens just after. I’m not referring to the choice of burial
plots, or the wood and satin choices for your final resting place, or the will
and last testament of who get’s what.
No, I’m referring to your eternal choice.
Since you were a child, you have known the choice that is before you. You have made a choice one way or another on whether you believe in the plan of salvation. You have accepted the claim that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven, or you have chosen to discount it as fiction and decided to pursue a different path for eternal salvation, or you have chosen that there is no eternity after death. We all are in one of these three camps, and it impacts every other decision you are making in life.
If you’re in camp C (there is no eternity) than you are living for the here and now, the moment and maximizing every second to accumulate and capture as much joy possible while still alive. Success in life is measured by the accomplishments in the 75 to 80 years with no care or concern about the eternity of years after death.
If you’re in camp B (Jesus is not the only way) then you are likely caught up in controlling your life in the present and trying to control your life in the after. The belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only pathway to eternal peace is too restrictive, too narrow and rigid. This person typically does not want to give up control of life and therefore chooses a more conforming answer to eternity, and lives in this world as if they control their destiny.
For those of us in camp A (accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and our path to salvation) we must come to the point of recognizing that this life is not ours to control. It, and everything in it, was granted by God alone for His purpose, and for His glory. We are not in control, although we think we are at times, but we acknowledge that He is. We accept that this life is a mere blink of an eye in comparison to spending eternity in the presence of God Almighty and Jesus Christ, His Son. This life is nothing more than an opportunity to demonstrate His love, mercy and grace to others, so that they might experience eternity with Him as well. No more, no less – that is why we are here. The things we accumulate are nothing more than tools to be used for His kingdom, not for our glory.
Have you made a choice? Have those around you? Are you doing anything about that? You can’t live this life complacent and hope that they make the right choice. If you love them, you want to help them. Do something with what you’ve been given. There’s only one purpose to your life – spread His love and give Him the glory.
Since you were a child, you have known the choice that is before you. You have made a choice one way or another on whether you believe in the plan of salvation. You have accepted the claim that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven, or you have chosen to discount it as fiction and decided to pursue a different path for eternal salvation, or you have chosen that there is no eternity after death. We all are in one of these three camps, and it impacts every other decision you are making in life.
If you’re in camp C (there is no eternity) than you are living for the here and now, the moment and maximizing every second to accumulate and capture as much joy possible while still alive. Success in life is measured by the accomplishments in the 75 to 80 years with no care or concern about the eternity of years after death.
If you’re in camp B (Jesus is not the only way) then you are likely caught up in controlling your life in the present and trying to control your life in the after. The belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only pathway to eternal peace is too restrictive, too narrow and rigid. This person typically does not want to give up control of life and therefore chooses a more conforming answer to eternity, and lives in this world as if they control their destiny.
For those of us in camp A (accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and our path to salvation) we must come to the point of recognizing that this life is not ours to control. It, and everything in it, was granted by God alone for His purpose, and for His glory. We are not in control, although we think we are at times, but we acknowledge that He is. We accept that this life is a mere blink of an eye in comparison to spending eternity in the presence of God Almighty and Jesus Christ, His Son. This life is nothing more than an opportunity to demonstrate His love, mercy and grace to others, so that they might experience eternity with Him as well. No more, no less – that is why we are here. The things we accumulate are nothing more than tools to be used for His kingdom, not for our glory.
Have you made a choice? Have those around you? Are you doing anything about that? You can’t live this life complacent and hope that they make the right choice. If you love them, you want to help them. Do something with what you’ve been given. There’s only one purpose to your life – spread His love and give Him the glory.
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord
and you want to, you can pray this prayer of salvation and mean it, and I
believe you will be born again in Jesus:
Heavenly Father, I am a sinner, and I’ve sinned against you, and I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I believe Jesus Christ is the son of God. He lived for me, he bled for me and he died for me so that I could be saved. I receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and I surrender my life to you. Do anything you want with my life. In Jesus name I pray – Amen
Heavenly Father, I am a sinner, and I’ve sinned against you, and I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I believe Jesus Christ is the son of God. He lived for me, he bled for me and he died for me so that I could be saved. I receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and I surrender my life to you. Do anything you want with my life. In Jesus name I pray – Amen
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