Believers who are rich in Christ have an eternal outlook on life. They have a big picture view that their life here on earth is temporary. They understand that life is so extremely short and that our existence in the flesh is just a training ground for our eternal life to come.
Hebrews 10:34-37 reads, You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.
In the great "Faith Hall of Fame" chapter of Hebrews 11, the writer of Hebrews reminded his readers that All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth... Instead, they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:13-14, 16).
Rich Christians think long-term. They can look ahead to the reward they will receive in the Heavenly Kingdom. From Moses (Hebrews 11:23-28) to even Jesus Himself (Hebrews 12:1-3), these endured great loss and suffering for a greater inheritance in Heaven.
So, Christian, let me ask you this. Are you consumed with the temporal or with the eternal? Are you passionately working out your faith in this world in order to receive an everlasting reward in God's Kingdom?
I'm a littler consumed with the temporal (read: unnecessary worry) but I do what I can to work out my faith in this world. Failing every day, but thank God for grace!
ReplyDeleteBecky, I think we all can be consumed with the here and now and I know I fail in this area as well. Keep on working on it and resting in Him!
ReplyDeleteLarry