I’m nearly done rereading the Bible (5th or 6th time in a row). I’m amazed that letters from nearly 2,000-3,500 years ago still speak. I’m amazed that the more advanced we think we are, the more like our ancestors we really are. I’m amazed that Christians still are so focused on the present, instead of the life to come. Think about it: there are whole philosophies and false Gospels about how to live your best life now, how to be healthy and wealthy, and how to call forth in to reality the desires of your heart. Here’s a newsflash: unless the desire of our hearts is Jesus, we’re chasing after, as the author of Ecclesiastes calls it, vapor! This world is passing away, and fast. WE are passing away, and fast. We have a start and an expiration date, don’t we? All of our relationships, our possessions, our jobs, and anything else we strive for mean nothing, especially when faced with the Lord and Master of all things.
The authors of Scripture looked forward to something far more real than this life. The Prophets looked forward to the day when God would send His Chosen One to come and make all things right. The Authors of the New Testament looked forward to the day when Jesus would return to do just that. We all should be encouraged by both to look forward to eternity. Scripture makes it clear: this world is not our home. We have no permanent stake in it. It’s not about leaving a better world for those who come behind, it’s about leading everyone we can in to eternity with Jesus. This world’s present sufferings do not even compare with the Glory of God that we will be in when we see Him face to face. Corrie Ten Boom, who was no stranger to suffering, put it this way: “If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.” What are you looking toward? Anything of this world is failing, but God never fails.
Galatians 6:1-16 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.
Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
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