ARE YOU EXPERIENCING LIFE INDEED?
"Instruct them (“those who are rich”) to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed."
1 Timothy 6:18-19
Beer companies seem to have great commercials, don’t they? Years ago, Old Milwaukee had an ad for their product. Guys were together in a boat, fishing for pike with great success. At the close of the day, they were relaxing on their cabin porch, drinking an Old Milwaukee, and saying, “It just doesn’t get any better than this.” The message in that ad was simple: if you want to live life to the fullest, you need to start drinking Old Milwaukee.
Think about that statement: “it just doesn’t get any better than this.” Everyone wants to experience the best in life. We want to live a life full of meaning, purpose, and great times with family and friends. After all, as Schlitz used to say, “You only go around once, so you gotta grab all the gusto you can.”
HOW DO YOU DO THAT WITH LIFE?
Obviously, beer is not the answer to an empty life. As a matter of fact, I find it funny that the beer companies never show you the other side to their product … a drunk lying in a gutter, covered with his own vomit and flies. I don’t believe he is saying to himself, “It just doesn’t get any better than this.” As the Scripture says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).
So, how does one really experience life to the fullest? I believe the answer lies in understanding that this life is very, very short in light of eternity. Those who “take hold of that which is life indeed” live this life in light of the life to come. They use their time, talent, and treasure to make a difference in advancing the kingdom of God. They understand that only three things last forever: (1) God, (2) His Word, (3) and people. And they invest their time, talent, and treasure in those three eternal areas by glorifying God, spreading His Word, and helping people connect with Jesus Christ, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
THE SAD TRUTH
Many who call themselves Christians do not live with eternity in mind. Their time, talent, and treasure are almost exclusively devoted to this brief vapor of life on earth. Their money is invested in the kingdoms of this world … their focus is on the ends of the earth … they are in love with self and pleasure and money. Those who live all wrapped up in this present age will find themselves devoid of peace, purpose, and true happiness. They will echo the lamentation of rich, self-indulgent King Solomon, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).
Here is the good news. No Christian has to live like that! We can live and give to the glory of God! We can take the treasure we have been entrusted with in this life and invest it in the life to come! To be sure, you can’t take it with you … but you can send it on ahead!
Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). If you want to grow in your passion and heart for the kingdom of God, start investing largely in God, His Word, and people. Put your money in heaven’s bank and you’ll store it up for the future. Don’t be rich in this world and poor in the next … because this world is but a blink, but the next world is forever. Understanding that truth enables you to “take hold of that which is life indeed.”
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries
Dr. Jeff Schreve believes that no matter how badly you may have messed up in life, God still loves you and has a wonderful plan just for you. From His Heart provides real truth, love and hope on over 700 radio stations each day, in 182 countries each week on TV, and is always available online. Pastor Jeff takes no income from this ministry. All donations go to furthering the broadcast outreach. As a listener/viewer supported ministry, we thank you for joining with us to help speak the truth in love to a lost and hurting world. Go to www.fromhisheart.org for more information.
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