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The Beginning of Our Lives Together - August 26th, 2006
Abby Goes to Marriage Class
“He has put eternity in their hearts…” Eccl. 3:11
Webster defines eternity as “infinite time” or “the state after death”. For many, this is a disturbing or even fearful concept. Others, even Christians, choose to avoid the thought of it entirely. Some hold that meditating on the afterlife and distant eternal future is unnecessary and even unproductive. I do not believe Jesus would agree, however. A great deal of His teaching focuses on life after death and eternal reward. C. S Lewis commented, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. “
One of the truths that has most impacted my life the last couple years is that of eternal reward. Often we fall into the trap of thinking that our only concern with eternity is where we will spend it. Considering the ramifications of being anywhere for an infinite amount of time, we might do well to consider how we will spend it. The way we live each day on earth directly corresponds the eternity that lies before us. This is both a sobering and encouraging thought: what we do really matters. Those hidden acts of love that may never be rewarded on earth do not go unnoticed. Every time we say “no” to temptation, come to the aid of a brother in need, or simply spend time sitting at His feet, our Father takes note. Lest we fall into a works mentality, we must remember that it is the heart motivation behind each deed that truly determines our reward. Rev. Howard Pittman in his book Placebo, describes a near-death experience in which he stands before the Lord. He is dismayed to discover that his acutely religious life and commendable good deeds were not acceptable before the final Judge. I tremble to think that I could be deceived to believe that church attendance, moral conduct and even a position in ministry should win me God’s favor. God doesn’t just give us another gold sticker for being “good” and staying out of trouble. Hebrews 11:6 states that “…He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”. God is impressed by nothing less than a heart that is after His own.
On the bright side, the daily grind of everyday life does not have to be purposeless. There are plenty of opportunities for us to lay up heavenly treasure without serving as a missionary to Africa or even being in a prayer room 8 hours a day. A friend recently encouraged me regarding the exhausting task of mothering a newborn. It is easy to not feel as “effective” for the Lord when my time and energy is consumed caring for this young life. However, she assured me that the sleepless nights, long feedings, and countless diaper changes do not have to be in vain and are not a waste of time. If I maintain a heart of love and service, every menial task becomes an act of worship. This is the life God rewards; the hidden state of the heart. Gratitude in seasons of blessing, refusing offense when mistreated, perseverance in trials, humility amidst promotion. No matter what your lot or vocation, every day you encounter choices that will collectively determine your enjoyment of eternity. Sure, it is great to be on the road to heaven, but let us aim even higher, along with Paul: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”. (Phil. 3:14) If we were told that what we did in the next 24 hours would decide how we spent the remainder of life, would we carelessly lie around and waste the day? How much more should this fleeting life we have on earth be expended with great care and purpose! A final exhortation from Paul: “Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph. 4:15-16)
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The Beginning of Our Lives Together - August 26th, 2006
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The Everyday and Eternity
“He has put eternity in their hearts…” Eccl. 3:11
Webster defines eternity as “infinite time” or “the state after death”. For many, this is a disturbing or even fearful concept. Others, even Christians, choose to avoid the thought of it entirely. Some hold that meditating on the afterlife and distant eternal future is unnecessary and even unproductive. I do not believe Jesus would agree, however. A great deal of His teaching focuses on life after death and eternal reward. C. S Lewis commented, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. “
One of the truths that has most impacted my life the last couple years is that of eternal reward. Often we fall into the trap of thinking that our only concern with eternity is where we will spend it. Considering the ramifications of being anywhere for an infinite amount of time, we might do well to consider how we will spend it. The way we live each day on earth directly corresponds the eternity that lies before us. This is both a sobering and encouraging thought: what we do really matters. Those hidden acts of love that may never be rewarded on earth do not go unnoticed. Every time we say “no” to temptation, come to the aid of a brother in need, or simply spend time sitting at His feet, our Father takes note. Lest we fall into a works mentality, we must remember that it is the heart motivation behind each deed that truly determines our reward. Rev. Howard Pittman in his book Placebo, describes a near-death experience in which he stands before the Lord. He is dismayed to discover that his acutely religious life and commendable good deeds were not acceptable before the final Judge. I tremble to think that I could be deceived to believe that church attendance, moral conduct and even a position in ministry should win me God’s favor. God doesn’t just give us another gold sticker for being “good” and staying out of trouble. Hebrews 11:6 states that “…He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”. God is impressed by nothing less than a heart that is after His own.
On the bright side, the daily grind of everyday life does not have to be purposeless. There are plenty of opportunities for us to lay up heavenly treasure without serving as a missionary to Africa or even being in a prayer room 8 hours a day. A friend recently encouraged me regarding the exhausting task of mothering a newborn. It is easy to not feel as “effective” for the Lord when my time and energy is consumed caring for this young life. However, she assured me that the sleepless nights, long feedings, and countless diaper changes do not have to be in vain and are not a waste of time. If I maintain a heart of love and service, every menial task becomes an act of worship. This is the life God rewards; the hidden state of the heart. Gratitude in seasons of blessing, refusing offense when mistreated, perseverance in trials, humility amidst promotion. No matter what your lot or vocation, every day you encounter choices that will collectively determine your enjoyment of eternity. Sure, it is great to be on the road to heaven, but let us aim even higher, along with Paul: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”. (Phil. 3:14) If we were told that what we did in the next 24 hours would decide how we spent the remainder of life, would we carelessly lie around and waste the day? How much more should this fleeting life we have on earth be expended with great care and purpose! A final exhortation from Paul: “Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph. 4:15-16)
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