LIVING IN THE MOMENT VERSUS LIVING FOR A LIFETIME
Have you ever found yourself facing that difficult choice of deciding to do something even when you knew in your heart that you probably shouldn’t ? Perhaps you changed your mind on a commitment because something better or more exciting came along ? It is so easy at times to look at our choices and pick the path that might seem easier or offer greater reward rather than selecting a more difficult journey. Life is full of those situations, and as Christians, God makes it clear that the path that is WIDE AND EASY generally is not the one that we want to be on. In fact, God implores us to be on the NARROW PATH that will lead us to a relationship with Him, and an invitation into HIS KINGDOM. I can honestly say that the majority of decisions made in the moment for momentary pleasure or success never seemed to last. In my business career I especially found that quick decisions and fast growth never allowed foundations of success to be built. It’s that old adage of “ Nothing that is built fast is built to last .” We see that in relationships, financial decisions, career choices and most of all our value and belief systems. Building a SOLID FOUNDATION takes hard work, effort, commitment, and endurance. Being patient to let things come together, set up, and become solidly grounded. Jesus talked a lot about that to His Disciples. The parable of the seeds and the different types of ground they would fall on with very different results. A deep and faithful relationship with God required time and effort to feed and water for growth and strength as the believer matured. We need that today as well ! Our society and culture live for Immediate Gratification and Immediate results. It impacts every aspect of our life and our walk with God if we let it. And yet, God has shown us the real Truth of Eternal Versus Momentary.
FOR OUR LIGHT AFFLICTION , WHICH IS BUT FOR A MOMENT, WORKETH FOR US A FAR MORE EXCEEDING AND ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY; WHILE WE LOOK NOT AT THE THINGS THAT ARE SEEN: FOR THE THINGS THAT ARE SEEN ARE TEMPORAL; BUT THE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT SEEN ARE ETERNAL 2 Corinthians 4: 17-18
ENTER THROUGH THE NARROW GATE. FOR WIDE IS THE GATE AND BROAD IS THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO DESTRUCTION, AND MANY ENTER THROUGH IT. BUT SMALL IS THE GATE AND NARROW THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO LIFE, AND ONLY A FEW FIND IT. Matthew 7: 13-14
AND A HIGHWAY WILL BE THERE; IT WILL BE CALLED THE WAY OF HOLINESS; IT WILL BE FOR THOSE WHO WALK ON THAT WAY. THE UNCLEAN WILL NOT JOURNEY ON IT. Isaiah 35:8
THE WORLD AND ITS DESIRES PASS AWAY, BUT WHOEVER DOES THE WILL OF GOD LIVES FOREVER, 1 John 2:17
In many ways it is easy to live in the moment. In a world constantly changing, one can easily lose track of consequences and results. If you don’t like them then try something else because everything becomes fleeting and of little value. Our Pastor at Brave, Jeff Schwartzentraub talks about the difference between REPENTANCE and REGRET. Repentance comes from a sorrow that you are not walking in the will of God, and you want to be with all your heart. God’s Will is what you are trying to be immersed in, and it comes without regret. Repentance isn’t easy. It means that you take ownership of your sin and you have a desire to change no matter what. Also, you don’t hide your transgression. You embrace your failure and ask God to help you change. You embrace who God wants you to be ! Perhaps most importantly, you are THANKFUL for God’s help and for His love. REGRET is very different. Regret lets you squirm out of accountability. You blame circumstances or others for where you are. You work on things yourself instead of TRUSTING GOD and ASKING FOR HIS HELP. Regret also puts you in a place where you HIDE YOUR SIN. Regret is self focused and driven, where God is not in an open and loving role. Are you sensing how Difficult it is to be close to God when you are “Living in the Moment” vs. making choices that will serve you for a “Lifetime” ? God is ALL ABOUT AN ETERNAL LIFETIME WITH THOSE WHO EMBRACE HIM AND HIS KINGDOM:)
TRULY, TRULY I SAY UNTO YOU, WHOEVER HEARS MY VOICE AND BELIEVES HIM WHO SENT ME HAS ETERNAL LIFE.HE DOES NOT COME INTO JUDGEMENT, BUT HAS PASSED FROM DEATH TO LIFE. John 5:24
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF THE FAITH. TAKE HOLD OF THE ETERNAL LIFE TO WHICH YOU WERE CALLED AND ABOUT WHICH YOU MADE THE GOOD CONFESSION IN THE PRESENCE OF MANY WITNESSES. 1 Timothy 6:12
As I look around our world today i see so many people living in the moment. Regretting or Ignoring their choices. Simply going to church or claiming to be a Christian is not enough. God Wants More Of Us. God wants us for AN ETERNAL LIFETIME ! There is a great Tribulation coming. Will you be ready ? Will you seek God’s Strength and Help, or will you Go It Alone. God is Ready….Are You ? TRUST HIM/JAA
THEN THE RIGHTEOUS WILL SHINE LIKE THE SUN IN THE KINGDOM OF THEIR FATHER. HE WHO HAS EARS LET HIM HEAR. Matthew 13:43