Sunday, November 3, 2019

Not Convinced

Not Convinced
November 4, 2019
Revelation 22:12  "'Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.'"

People are convinced that spending their time and money on things on this earth are somehow worth it. Maybe you need a car, but decide to spend the extra money on a car that is nicer than you need.  Maybe you think the nicer car will elevate your social standing or that somehow it will change how people judge you.  It is constantly impressive how people work hard to drive their nicest car to church even, keeping it washed and in pristine condition, as if somehow arriving to church in the nicest car you can attain will impress your Christianity in the minds of others. Laugh at the concept, but there are plenty of luxury cars in church parking lots all around the US on any given Sunday. Maybe you don't own a luxury car but does your car have leather seats? There is nothing wrong with leather seats, but paying for those leather seats contracts from the good you could do for the kingdom of heaven if you spent your money differently. At what point is enough enough?

People are convinced that saving money in the bank is a good thing, that investing in a retirement account is a good thing. They are certainly wise choices but are they good? The Bible suggests anything that is good means it relates to a Heavenly cause or purpose. Is the money set aside for use in the kingdom? Do you use your nice car to bring shut-ins or (gasp) the homeless to church?  Have a nice house, great, do you host a small group in your home or provide a temporary room in your home for someone who is going through a difficult time?  When was the last time you cooked and made extra to take to a shut-in? These are not intended to be offensive questions but simply to challenge everyone on how they use their resources for the Lord. We are all convinced that whatever we spend our time and money on to benefit ourselves will be worth it, that it will improve our lives on this earth somehow. But that is usually birthed out of selfish desires.  The Lord cares nothing for how comfortable your life is here on earth.

It is interesting the work for the kingdom that people do not do, as if somehow they aren't convinced it will be worth it. People seldom  do anything unless they receive a physical or emotional reward or benefit.  This is true for Christians and non-Christians alike. The Lord says, as a Christian, if you do it for the Lord then there will be a reward in Heaven. Why are Christians not convinced the reward in Heaven will be worth the effort on earth? You can see the efforts people go to in decorating their home or the upkeep on their hair, so they are used to putting in effort. Why do Christians not put in the same effort for the Lord? Christian organizations work hard to stay non-profit and need a good deal of fundraising. Christians are more likely to give if their giving makes them eligible for a raffled prize at the end. Why do Christians not give to the Lord, of their time or money or efforts? Maybe some give but why do the majority give so little towards the kingdom? The simple reason is they are not convinced it will be worth it. People will go to great lengths of effort if they believe it will be worth that effort. Are you convinced sacrificing on this earth will be worth the effort someday, as revealed in Heaven? Take a quick look at your life and you will easily see where you are spending a significant amount of effort, or time and money. Are you spending that same amount of effort for the Lord?

Are you convinced the rewards in Heaven are real? Are you convinced the rewards in Heaven will be worth it? Your lifestyle speaks to where you are attempting to reap your rewards and everyone can see it. It is no secret, the whole world is watching and they see where your heart is. If the world can see, then how can you hide your selfishness from the Lord.
 
Don't take my word for it; look it up:  Matt 5:11-12, Matt 6:1-24, 2 Cor 9:6, Phil 3:14

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