Take the world, but give me Jesus!
1 Corinthians 7:31b “This world in its present form is passing away.”
Stop for a moment and think about which things, places, situations or people in this life you find yourself firmly attached to. If you do an honest assessment, you will likely realize that we are more attached to the things of this world than we would like to admit. There is no problem enjoying the blessings God has given us in this life. But to become inseparably attached to them poses a real problem. If we become so attached to the things, places, situations and people of this life, there is a real danger that we could lose our focus and attention on our eternal home in heaven.
Our Bible verse for this week is not necessarily inspiring at first glance, but it is a sobering reminder that we all need. When we are surrounded by influences, ideas and commercials which seek to get us even more firmly attached to and entrenched in this world, we need to be reminded that the world as we know it will one day be destroyed and our focus should be on our eternal treasure in heaven.
So what does this verse mean for us? The words of Jesus in John 9:4 are very timely and applicable when we realize that the things we might endear ourselves to in this world are quickly fading. Jesus gives us a great perspective when he tells us “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”
Instead of getting inseparably attached to this world, we can and should devote ourselves to make sure that “the care of the soul” is not just something which is carried out inside the walls and ministry of TLHA, but something which we have the privilege and opportunity to share every moment of every day of our lives.
Ephesians 4:15 gives us a good reminder in this whole scenario “speaking the truth in love.” Let’s be careful that we are no so zealous in trying to help people focus on Jesus and heaven instead of the things of this world, that we don’t do so in a way which reflects the love of Christ.
Pray that God helps each of us keep our priorities and focus on heaven and forgives us for the times we have been head over heels in love with the world and the things of the world. Ask him to help us recommit ourselves to caring for the souls or people in every aspect of our lives so they can one day join us in heaven.