Col 3:1-3 "IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God."(AMP)
"Our lives are hidden with Christ." Our life is found in Him and in Him alone.
For those of you who know me know that I struggle with materialism, I always have. I am learning that my possessions need to have there proper place as do all things in this life. A prime example of this is sports... I love sports! The Red Sox, The Raiders, and with March Madness here I would love to see Duke University win it all.
But... Can I really find true Joy in those things?
Red sox fans know better. 2004 is long gone (that was the first time in 86 years that they won the world series). They also won it in 2007... But 2007 is long gone. Every baseball season the cycle starts over, and we cant draw on the past joys that we have experienced. especially in this life. When they win we are overjoyed, but it only lasts for a little while, and then, as I said, the cycle starts over with a new season, no matter what sport we are talking about.
As far as possessions or money, there will never be enough. We will always want the better thing. Notice how Apple comes out with a new iphone, ipad, or ipod every year?! That is so we will think that the one that we bought previously is no good now.. Or we are not cool if we dont have the new latest and greatest thing that comes out.
Are these things where we will find true joy and contentment?
2 Peter 3:10 says "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will vanish (pass away) with a thunderous crash, and the [[a]material] elements [of the universe] will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up."
Everything that we have or can obtain in this life, every material thing that exists will cease to exist. The only thing in this life and the next that can bring us true joy is Jesus Christ and serving Him!
Does your life lack true joy? Look to Jesus. Ask Him how you might serve Him today, how you can give yourself and the resources that He has given to you.
Do you know Jesus? Please accept Him today! He died on the cross and rose again from the dead so that you could have eternal life! And that your eternal life could start here while on this earth.
