[06/17/2023 “teEn-MAIL”]
[This focus was originally sent 06/01/2009 (Edited some.)]
Some people work to pay off the past. They have used credit to buy things already used up or pay for activities already enjoyed. The thrill is gone, but the payments continue. They live by the principle, “Play now. Pay later.” and some will pay dearly for the play in which they have invested. So many invest in the present without any serious consideration toward things of eternal significance. Someone has said, “The great use of a life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.” (Williams James)
To some who needed to turn their mind from the physical to the spiritual, Jesus urged. . .
“(26) Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. (27) Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”” (John 6:26-27 ESV)
Our life pursuits are not to be simply for the joy of the moment, nor even for simply the survival of the present, but with consideration of that which is to come. All the hard work done in this life can be for nothing if no thought is given to our eternal life.
Consider the investment Jesus made on our behalf. He gave His all. He surrendered His life on the cross so that through Him we can be saved. He sacrificed His life to provide us with an eternal future. As Paul recognized that investment of Christ in his own life, he was compelled to “spend and be spent” on behalf of the souls of others. (2 Corinthians 12:15) Even today we are touched by the work of the Apostle Paul as we are inspired toward the same kind of godly living. Certainly, his influence has long outlasted his life lived in service for Jesus.
In Revelation we are encouraged. . .
“(13) And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”” (Revelation 14:13 ESV)
Life spent for something that outlasts us! What a noble goal! The manner in which we live and the various ways in which we can touch the lives of others can be an influence that lasts long after our own journey here on earth is through.
As you make your summer plans — or if you are graduating from high school and are laying out the plans for your future education and course of career — do not leave God and His Will and work out of the picture. May we all focus on the kind of legacy trailing behind us. Jesus has provided the opportunity to be devoted to living that lasts beyond a lifetime. Let us accept this greatest use of the life we have been given with the hope others will be drawn toward investing in it as well. Living the rest of our life for Him (1 Peter 4:2) and His purposes we can look forward to the eternal rest He has planned to provide. Praise God for such an eternal reason for living today!
Have a great day LIVING LIFE WITH AN ETERNAL PURPOSE!
Carl
