18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
-2 Corinthians 4:18-
What are you living for? Really living for? Most people are so busy making a living that they are hardly living at all. When was the last time you stopped to look closely at something beautiful? When you have taken time to sniff the fragrance of the early morning, or noticed the gentle delicacy of a rose petal? When you have taken time to notice the smoothness of a baby’s skin, of the graciousness of a bird? Too often we spread ourselves so thin in activities that it is hard to see what we are accomplishing at all in life. Our perspective gets warped when our times gets attenuated.
God values people and uses things; but we tend to value things and use people. “For not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). And from the looks of our bulging closets and garages, we’ve put a pretty high value on things.
I can’t help but recall the words of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who said that his life once revolved around things-his books, manuscripts, possessions-until they were taken from him and he was put in prison. He said he never felt stronger than when he realized all his treasures were within, and those would never be taken from him.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, take inventory with me for a moment.
What are you living for?
If fire should strike your home and totally destroy it, would life be worth living?
If your bank account or your stocks and bonds were to be wiped out, would you feel lie the end of the world?
Would you say with me, “Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve failed to realize that what really is of value in life can never be bought. I’m sorry that at times I’ve taken for granted how much I owe You because of the blessing of a faithful spouse and wonderful kids and grandkids. And thanks, too, for all friends you have given me. Yes, Lord, thanks for the beauty of our world and what you have given that can never be found apart from the blessings of your hand.”
A blessed thanksgiving to all.
Pastor Gideon Gallo