Yes, I am well aware that I missed yesterday’s reading. It really was a matter of having too many things on my plate. Nonetheless, I’ll make it up with a second post tonight.
Day 4: Made to Last Forever
The concept of eternity is something that few people can grapple with. For many, it seems too far away, and because we think we haven’t even started to live, why bother thinking about something that seems so out of reach? But we must be careful not to let this concept escape us because it actually determines how we are going to live our lives.
When we realise that life is temporal and that there is an expiration date tagged to everything, we begin to view the world with an informed mind. Coupled with the fact that our actions and/or decisions are directly related to Eternity, it is imperative that we learn how to prioritise what’s truly important, and focus on building relationships and character, not acquiring a mountain of things.
Of course, that’s all easier said than done. It takes time and effort to cultivate good relationships with people, and we often attribute our failures in this department to our lack of time. Personally, I’ve been so caught up with work that I’m hardly able to meet up with friends and reinforce our relationship. But even when I do have some spare time, sometimes I’d just rather stay at home and watch a DVD, thinking that I’m simply giving myself a deserving rest after a long day at work. I know now there is this glaring lack of effort on my part, and I am ashamed.
Character-building is something that requires plenty of trials before we can emerge and proclaim that yes, we have conquered. In spite of that, we almost always take the easy way out because the other way would be too difficult. I often find myself asking “what’s an easier way to do this?” rather than “what’s a better way to do this?”. While they seem similar, the focus is completely different. Fortunately, God is always there to nudge me and lend a hand, without which, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve everything that I have ever accomplished. And in the process, I have also learnt to trust God more each day, leaning on Him for strength and support.
I believe God created us to last forever because He knows we will need an entire lifetime on earth to prepare ourselves for what is to come. So perhaps we should stop thinking that we have all the time in the world, because really, we don’t know what will happen tomorrow. And if I should be scheduled to meet my Maker soon, I would much rather be welcomed with open arms, than one escaping through the flames.
