Saturday, January 10, 2009

You've already begun...

1 Thessalonians 4:13- "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep..." (NIV).
Death is a strong word- it almost sounds like THE END…the grand finale…that's all folks. But, it's not. Paul refers to physical death as "falling asleep". Why would he use those words? Maybe to prove a point…that the physical death does not mean a person's life is over. Yes, for their physical body, but NOT for their spiritual body- their soul. One's soul does not die; it continues on at an eternal location, either heaven or hell. This life here on temporary earth is the deciding factor of where your soul will go…FOREVER. Hmmm…so, do you think we have a purpose? Yes. We are not called to cruise through this life on earth with no thought of eternity. Because in reality, we are in eternity right now…this is just the first part. How am I living my life right now in preparation for an eternal destination? What you do here on earth has a direct effect on how the rest of your eternal journey will go. Knowing all of this, why do we spend so much time at the mall buying our 34th pair of shoes? Why do we devote our evenings watching a box with fictional characters on its screen? Why are we obsessive with exercise to make our bodies fit into a smaller size? This is the start of eternity…you have already begun. Think about today…have you stored up treasures on earth or in heaven? Which ones will last longer? "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matt. 6:19-21. Live fully…live with purpose…live in preparation…live strong…live for eternity.