Thursday; November 3

When I was a youngster, I would give mental assent to the idea that there was a better place for us than this planet and we should all look forward to heaven. I would hear sermons on the concept of “Maranatha” in I Corinthians 16:22 (which is often understood as meaning, “O Lord, Come”) and believe that the coming of Jesus would be a good thing. I would read Paul’s observation, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) and understand that there is some better waiting for us in heaven after this life is over. Yet, in spite of my faith, I am not sure that I was in a hurry to see this earth be destroyed or my life come to an end. There was a lot I hoped to accomplish and a lot of things I wanted to see. Again, I wasn’t opposed to an eventual home in heaven, I just wasn’t sure I was ready for it quite then. Over the last few decades I have become more comfortable with the transition from earthly existence to eternal life. Sure, there are more things I’d like to do but I am more likely to find comfort in the hope of an afterlife.

Whether we are growing weary of life and looking forward to eternal peace or still filled with a vigor for life on earth, let’s all make sure we are ready for our final day. Eternal life is an extension of what we do on earth – however, it will be split into two distinct existences. For those who are faithful to God on earth He has prepared a heaven filled with eternal bliss. For those who reject Him in this life He has created a hell filled with torment. The issue isn’t when this life will end, the question is where we will be when our eternal life begins.

Are you ready for eternity when it happens? No matter whether we hope it will be sooner or later, it’s going to happen so let’s be ready!

Think About It!

Popular posts from this blog

Tuesday; November 29

The biblical story of the Good Samaritan has changed our world. Notice I didn’t say that it had change religion or even Christianity, it has influenced the world. There are very few people who don’t know the moral of Jesus’ parable about the Good Samaritan. In fact, the phrase has become a common description of everyday people doing good to their neighbors. While Jesus’ parable from Luke 10 shares several spiritual lessons, one of the most practical is that good can be done by anyone. You don’t have to be a church official to do good, it is not only possible for each one of us to help, it is required of all of us. If a Samaritan can be good, so can we! After presenting the parable, Jesus asked the man who had originally asked the question about being a good neighbor which character in the story was a good neighbor, “… he said, ‘The one who showed mercy toward him.’” at which point, the discussion from theoretical to personal, “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the same.’” (Luke
Read more

Thursday; January 12

The other day I was watching a television show that used a rather common term applied to overcoming challenges. When organizations experience unexpected setbacks – especially when they lose key people – they rely upon the concept of “Next Man Up”. In essence, when our starters (or stars) go down, effective organizations rely upon their next levels to step into the vacancy. While this is an effective response, have we given much thought as to how we prepare to be the “next people up”? First, we must know our job. Even when we aren’t the primary players, we need to be preparing ourselves to be ready when we get the opportunity to shine. Second, we must do our best when we get the chance. Knowledge is important but what turns potential into talent is effort. Yet, maybe the most underappreciated aspect of this concept is a willingness avoid excuse-making and whining about the unfairness of our situation. When we complain about the circumstances that caused the need for replacements
Read more

Monday; September 25

When I was a youngster, I remember hearing about this thing called the Generation Gap. I was a little bit too young to be active in the social movements of the 1960s, but I do remember listening to the challenges the generations were experiencing way back then. Interestingly, now that I have been on both sides of the aging process, I have to admit that the Gap of the 1960s was nothing new. With the development of each generation comes conflict. The young people don’t feel like the older people understand them and the older folks tend to believe their input is being underappreciated. Too often trust is the casualty when two generations collide. The sad thing is that it doesn’t have to be this way. When we can capture the innovation and energy of the younger folks and harness the wisdom of those who have been around for a while we can develop a winning combination. No, we won’t always see things eye-to-eye nor will we necessarily speak the same emotional language, but when we app
Read more