Eternal Priorities
Jesus said, "Do not worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' ... But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
-Matthew 6:31-33 (NRSV)
Jesus said, "Do not worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' ... But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
-Matthew 6:31-33 (NRSV)
FEW things remind us of the passage of time like leafing through old photographs. We may remember many of the events and people, but were it not for those photos, far too many memories would be lost.
Obviously, the psalmist was aware of this temporal nature of all creation when writing, "In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end" (Ps. 102:25-27).
The writer reminds us that when all that is natural and temporal is gone, God will still exist. Yet far too often we allow temporal concerns to control our lives while giving little or no thought to spiritual matters. Acknowledging and accepting that the soul will endure can help us to see that relationship with God -- who will always remain -- must become the all-important goal of our lives.
Mark Beaird (Alabama, U.S.A.)
Dear Father, help us to clear away the things that distract us from loving and serving you. Amen.