We brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
1 Timothy 6: 7
But we sure do try!
With the recent catastrophic events in Hawaii, North Carolina, and as I write, in California, we begin to think about what is important to us. I asked myself the question: What is the first thing I would grab? Would I want my wallet with my identity and my credit cards? Would I grab the few baubles of jewelry? What about pictures? Oh, then, what about the mementos passed down from family? I don’t have pets, but if I did …
With no further thought, I said, “My Bible.” But is that true? At the time I asked myself the question, I had not changed out of my pajamas, robe, and slippers. I had on my watch, wedding band, and glasses. With my cell phone in my lap and my Bible beside me on the table, I wondered: could I survive in this condition?
I can see myself loaded down with stuff—no different from the scores of homeless people I see around town—no different from the images of people in their attempt to escape the fires of California.
Could I carry hope, peace, contentment with me? Might I have room for kindness? What about patience? Oh boy! Isn’t that asking too much of me when I am faced with the loss of everything I have accumulated over the last almost nine decades? What to take with me is, beyond doubt, something to think about.
So what will I grab? I don’t think I should even make such a decision ahead of time. What I do need to consider are my mission, my priorities, and my eternal destiny in the face of any loss.
- Mission: Love God and love others
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12: 30-31
- Priorities: Seek the Kingdom
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6: 33
- Destiny: Look for Christ’s return
Jesus says:
“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
Revelation 22: 7
Meanwhile, back on planet earth, I read, trust, and obey His Word …
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
Revelation 22: 12
In the meanwhile, consider what I am doing for others …
“Surely I am coming soon.”
Revelation 22: 20
Meanwhile, I LOOK my eyes out for His appearing!
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
But …
Again, meanwhile, we do live in a consumer goods world. We have needs. We have history. We have today. We never know if we have a tomorrow this side of eternity.
I mentioned hope:
And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. Psalm 39: 7
I mentioned kindness:
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6: 8
I mentioned peace:
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 7
I mentioned contentment:
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13: 5
Challenge: Think about what is important to you. What will you grab? What is your real identity? What are the things within you nothing can take away?
