It's About Time

Hey everybody! Hope your Friday went well. Bet you all got some fun plans for the weekend, huh? Well, here's a little devotion on Purpose. Just kinda stuck out to me, so hope it's what someone needs today. This one comes once again courtesy of dare2share.org.

After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into this world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. (I Timothy 6:7)

My theory is that most people spend most of their time sweating over things that won't really matter when all is said and done.

You've probably heard the one about the up-and-coming entrepreneur who was opening the door of his sleek new Jaguar when a truck roared by, hit it, and ripped it off its hinges. The police arrived at the scene quickly and found the man jumping up and down in the street. He was shrieking to anyone who would listen about the horrible damage done to his precious automobile.

"You wheeler-dealers are all so materialistic!" began the investigating officer, shaking his head in bewilderment. "You make me sick."

"What's your problem?" the driver snapped.

"You're so worried about your precious Jag," said the cop, "that you appear not to have noticed that your left arm was ripped off!"

"Oh, no!" bellowed the guy as he looked down at the grisly stump where his arm had been a few minutes before. "Where's my Rolex?"

When one of us gets where my friend is who was told this week that he likely has less than six months to live, he or she will focus intensely on the things that really matter in life. There will be far less concern about the newest electronic gadget, a bigger house, liposuction, a luxury car, or some other inconsequential indulgence. In fact, I doubt that a one of those items will come to mind at all.

When your time on Planet Earth is about to end and you are reflecting on how your one-time trip through life has worked out, you'll think about and reach for the people who are most important to you. And you will think about what happens after you have taken your last breath. These are the really important things -- -- as opposed to burning yourself out at a job, neglecting your family and friends, and pushing spiritual concerns to the fringe of your life.

Being responsible and working hard are good things. And there is nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of honest labor. Yet the Bible cautions us to remember that we came into the world without a company, portfolio, or fortune -- and will leave it the same way.

So the smart thing is to major in what will matter at the end and not to fritter away your life with what cannot go into eternity.

From: The FAX of Life, Dr. Rubel Shelly

So how is your summer shaping up? Is it turning out to be a 2002 trivial pursuit for the darker tan, the better car, the louder stereo, or the longest party? As someone once said: "each day is a gift, that's why it is called the present...". Take some time this week to evaluate the priorities of your life. A good place to start would be the level of your love for God and for your neighbors. If those two bases are covered, then you're off to a great start with investing in eternity.

Questions:

1. Am I living as if each day might be my last?
2. What are the top three priorities in my life?
3. How strong is my love for God and for others?