We life in a fast paced, self-centered world. Gratifying ourselves is not necessarily bad, after all God gave us our lives as a gift. However, it is far too easy, especially in our “post-Christian” culture, to buy into the world’s suggestion that “It’s really all about us and our people.” We just need to make sure our people are okay. We just need to make sure we have what we “need.” We just need to make sure…[add what your like here]. Unfortunately, our world majors on things that just don’t last. If we are not careful, we can succumb to the distraction of right now…of me and mine.
But our merciful God has building events into our lives that can and should cause us to pause and reflect, to consider the deeper meanings. Births, deaths, baptisms, weddings and funerals. Funerals give us a reason, and a space, to think about what comes after. To think about the fact that after our turn here on earth, having been made in the image of God, our spirits will endure, and live eternally with God…or without. It’s almost too much for us to fathom now, but moments spent considering eternity can ground us in our lives.
Probably each of us can think of an example of a person who has achieved “a life well lived.” Most of us know intrinsically that this is not a life spent amassing a great fortune, or achieving a particularly shiny medal. Most of our thoughts go to those who have invested in people. Those who have invested in things that have “kingdom value.” Take a moment to consider…do you live life to get as much as you can out of it. Or do you seek to GIVE as much as you can, to those whom God has placed in your “sphere?”
Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your health will be also.” -Matt 6:19-21