Day 111: Concerns

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Luke 12:34

It's very easy for us to dismiss this message.

Surely, I live my life in a way where treasure means nothing to me.  All I need in heaven is God.  Why would I be concerned about money?  I mean, aren't we already taught that money is distracting from our faith?

However, that mentality won't get us anywhere.  We live in a world where we will constantly have to face pressure for our money.  We have to work in order to make money.  We need money so that we can provide all the basic necessities for ourselves.  All of these things are constantly nagging at our minds, day in and day out.

So, if we have our life's treasure here on earth, then we will constantly be worrying about it.  If we start to imagine spiritual treasures in heaven, our minds will be concerned with that.

But this message extends so much further than just material worth.  We have many things that are pulling us in so many different directions.  We concern ourselves with our careers, our families, our friends, our health, our spirituality, and many other things.  And, each one of those things is taking us away from another.  If we take Paul's example of living life as running a race, there is a prize at the end of each race.  We are usually running many races at the same time.  Now, I don't know about you, but I have enough trouble running for three miles, let alone a half-marathon or any other race.  Imagine how difficult it would be to have to run multiple races at the same time, taking one step forward, another to the left, then a leap to the right, and then forward again, and then turning towards another and running for quite a distance.  That would be ridiculous!

And that's what we need to remember when we are trying to organize our life.  When we run towards God, towards heaven, towards the Kingdom, we will find our lives just that much easier to live.  The things that we feel are prizes - our job, our money, our house - are just aids on the way, those little snacks that your sponsors - the Trinity - provide as you make it to the end.  Yes, the race will be long and difficult, but we have the hands of God providing for us when we feel that we can't run any farther.

Day 097: Purpose

When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see?  A reed shaken by the wind?  But what did you go out to see?  A man clothed in soft garments?  Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings' courts.  But what did you go out to see?  A prophet?  Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet."  Luke 7:24-26

What do you go into a church for?  To see lots of paintings?  There are plenty of paintings, and probably even better ones at art galleries.  What do you go for?  To see fancy clothes and hats?  Why not go to a history museum, or an opera?  They have many costumes and fancy props, probably far better than those in a church.  What did you go for?  For a speech?  There are plenty more on YouTube or many other outlets on the internet, radio, and TV.

Jesus challenges us with these questions every day, and they aren't meant to deter us, but to strengthen us.  I enjoy talking to clergy because they are very direct about these questions, especially when they are about going into different ministries or trying to figure out a new direction for life.  Jesus challenges us to look within our souls to find what we need.  He also confronts us with these questions because he wants us to be sure that we are ready to follow him.

There will be lots of troubles along the way, and the road will be very bumpy.  The soles of your shoes will wear down to nothing, and there will be moments where you won't be able to rest for a while.  But the goal is worth it.  We are heading towards redemption, towards eternal life.  We are headed for a life full of glory - a life that is filled with so much glory that there will be no need for the sun or any other bright star.

We have to be sure that we are understanding what we are getting ourselves into.  We are going into renewal so that we will be perfect for God.  This will require us to leave behind many things.  It will also involve us allowing for Jesus to be our guide rather than ourselves.  We can only direct our lives for so long, but that will only lead us away from God.  There are many things that will attract us to stray from the way.  Only with the guidance of Jesus will we be able to follow.

So, what did you go into a church for?  To follow Jesus?  Let's make that be our one and only answer.