Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Confidence”
Our Bible verse for today: “So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Stay focused on what really matters.”
In his book, “The Purpose Driven Life” author Rick Warren includes a wonderful chapter about how to focus on the eternal things that really matter, rather than on earthly things which are temporary at best. He writes,
“To make the best use of your life, you must never forget two truths: First, compared with eternity, life is extremely brief. Second, earth is only a temporary residence. You won’t be here for long, so don’t get too attached to it.”
To help make his point he builds on Paul’s analogy in 2 Corinthians 5:20 where Paul explains to us that we are in this world only as Christ’s ambassadors. Our real home is in heaven. Our loyalty belongs to the Kingdom of Heaven. We are on temporary assignment in this foreign land only to represent our King and to conduct His business. And while we necessarily have to be involved in the life and activities of this land in which we live, we are not to become so involved in it that we become part of it. Our loyalty is to our homeland in Heaven and our conduct and values are to be those of our homeland.
Therefore we should not expect to be rewarded or honored by the land in which we live. The rewards and honors for years of faithful service will be waiting for us when we get to our real home in heaven. Rick writes,
“In God’s eyes, the greatest heroes of faith are not those who achieve prosperity, success, and power in this life, but those who treat this life as a temporary assignment and serve faithfully, expecting their promised reward in eternity.”
As you go about your business this week, whether at work, at home, in school, or wherever your current assignment takes you, stay focused on the business of your King whom you are here to represent. And if you don’t appear to be reaping a bounty of rewards and honors from the culture around you, don’t worry about it. You’re not supposed to. Just confidently and faithfully represent the One who sent you, trusting that in due time you will receive your reward and it will be better – much better – than anything this foreign land has to offer.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 