At the end of the road...will it matter?

"Don't fear failure.  Fear spending your life succeeding at things that  

DON'T REALLY MATTER."

- Unknown -

     We are one of the most self-absorbed generation of young people.  Through entertainment, sex, fashion, athletics, texting and facebook, we spend our time seeking after pleasure and popularity.  Far too many of our young "men" find their fulfillment in winning video games and creaming into each other during football matches. Far too many many young girls are consumed in seeking after physical allure and find their security in their social status.  We have become expert sand castle sculptors and our success had left us demented*.  With minds fixed on momentary things, we waste some of the most valuable years of our lives because we are focused on the wrong things. 

     *Demented: not able to think clearly or to understand what is real and what is not real

     

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Colossians 3:2

    

     Many of us suffer from nearsightedness.  Our lives become bogged down with "things that are on earth" as our focus rests on the here and now.  But, as God instructs us through Colossians, our lives should have a farsighted focus.  The world lives so much in the moment because this life is all they have.  But when we have been born again, this life is simply an investment plan as we set our hopes on the life to come.  God has not given us this time of earth so we can gorge ourselves with pomp and comfort.  Instead, He asks us to set our minds on things that are above...because eternity is just around the corner.    

 "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 

making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." 

(Ephesians 5:15-16) 

     All to many of us think that we have an endless bank account of time.  It's easy to think that way when you are young.  But we don't.  God has marked out for us a certain number of days and before you know it... they will be over.  We are always spending time on this or that activity or pursuit but what I want to ask you is are you investing your time?   Will the things that consume your time and energy count for eternity? Read that verse again. "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."  This isn't a command, it's a warning.  

     So what things are eternal?  First of all, people are eternal.  Are you investing in the relationships that God has brought into your life and are you telling them about the Savior who can save them from an eternity of punishment and pain?  I don't think I have ever heard of anyone on their death bed say, "I wish I had spent less time with my family and friends and more time working." or "I wish I hadn't lived so much of my life for the Lord."  

     Time is a gift.  Life is a gift.  How will you spend them?