In this country, among
others, success is a big thing. Most of us think we have not
succeeded if we
have not arrived at certain plateaus of satisfaction. As far as the world is
concerned, success is measured in many ways. Here are some examples.
· Bank account
· Biggest house
· Boat in the driveway
· Yacht at the dock
· Camper in the driveway
· Nicest clothes
· Most expensive jewelry
· Alma mater
· Level of education
· Personal looks
· Political office
· Top dog at the office
· Power over others
· Desired occupation
· Cars in the garage
· Popularity
Surely that’ll do, but think
about this. When we die our body is placed in the ground (or burial place). Our
flesh then rots away and is overtaken by maggots. Soon we are nothing but a
skeleton, and that too disintegrates.
Our bank account is now being
spent by someone else. Our house is now owned by someone else. Others are
enjoying our boat, yacht, camper and cars. Our clothes are given away. Our
jewelry is sold. Our looks … well, read the previous paragraph. Our alma mater,
level of education, occupation, political office, popularity and position at
the office, are history. As far as the power we had over others, well forget
that. We are totally powerless. We’re dead!
However, we aren’t really
dead. Only our body is dead. We are still very much alive, and now we either
are rejoicing in Heaven or in agony in hell. Either way, it’s all gone. All of
it!
What really matters while we
are on this earth? Do all those things I listed matter? Even for the Christian,
do they really matter? As a Christian my reward is living on for eternity in
Heaven with the Lord. If I’m not a Christian, I’m in for a rude awakening, and
it isn’t going to be pretty.
What really matters while we
are upon this earth is our relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord
and the relationship we share with others. That’s it! There is nothing else
that matters in this life. There is nothing
we will take with us to the grave, but that!
So where are our priorities?
Are we really successful? Have we
told others about Jesus? Have we shared Jesus with others by our actions? What
kind of Christian parent have we been? Have we truly represented Jesus on the
job? That and any thought or behavior as such, is being successful.
There is nothing inherently
wrong with the examples I listed at the beginning. The question is, “What is
really the most important thing to me?” “What makes me truly happy?” Jesus gave
us the answer in the following passage. Keep in mind that the word “blessed”
means “happy.”
“Blessed are the poor in
spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for
they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for
they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for
they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in
heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for
they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are
persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people
insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because
of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the
same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:1-12)
Jesus also said in Matthew
6:33 when He was telling us not to worry, “But seek first his kingdom and his
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Far too often we worry about
all those things we think make us successful, but we can only have true success
when in Christ and following His
will.
Does this mean we should sell
everything we have and live in a cave? No, not at all, it means we need to put
Him first in every part of our life. Then will follow real success.
Grant Phillips
Email: grantphillips@windstream.net
Pre-Rapture Commentary: http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com
