I felt led to give a teaching on the common phrase ‘having it all in life’. Often, we get so distracted at the circumstances in our life, we often forget what is truly important. While spending time with loved ones, living a healthy lifestyle, having a roof over your head, and being financially stable are all important, there is something that is way more important than any of that. The most important decision one can make in life is to believe in and accept Jesus Christ the Son of God into your life as your savior. In this blog post, I am going to discuss why we need to focus more on the things of God rather than the things of this world.
Everlasting Life
A Bible verse everyone should know, John 3:16 (NKJV) says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”. If you really think about it, what more could you want other than the everlasting life that is only through Jesus Christ? Some synonyms for the word everlasting life that I would like you to think about are:
- Eternal life
- Never-ending life
- Boundless life
- Timeless life
- Sustained life
- Unbroken life
The Distraction of Social Media
Too often the enterprise system of this world wants us to invest so much of our time, energy, and money into things that are unnecessary and will not even benefit us in eternity. One of the traps that many of us can fall into is the trap of social media. You might think you are going to check Facebook for five minutes, and it turns into a full twenty minutes. When we are on social media, we will often see pictures of what other people are doing in their lives, and this can often make us jealous and compare what we have to others. Maybe you see a picture of someone getting a new car, and you think to yourself ‘I wish I had that. Or maybe you are still single and see all your friends getting engaged and married. Regardless, social media can make us focus our attention on comparing ourselves to others rather than focusing ourselves on how God sees us. Romans 12:2 (NKJV) reminds us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”. While social media can be beneficial in its own ways, it does have its drawbacks.
Invest More in the Word
Recent studies suggest that on average Americans spend more than 11 hours per day interacting with the media. This includes everything from watching, reading, and listening. My question to challenge all of us is if we can spend this much time a day invested in the media, why don’t we cut back a bit and invest it in God? Whether that is in prayer, reading the Word, or worship, we can all find areas where we can invest more time with the Lord. Maybe instead of listening to that secular music at the gym while working out maybe you can plug some headphones in and listen to the Bible. There are many areas in our life where we can find more time to spend in God’s Word, and in both prayer and worship. We spend so much time invested in the things of this world that will eventually be gone one day, rather than the Word of God. The Word of God will always be around. Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV) tells us, “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”.
Salvation and Good Works
One thing the world system will push on us is leaving behind a good legacy. While it is important to leave a good impression on others in life, good works will not get you into Heaven. We know our salvation comes through grace and not works. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”. Additionally, true salvation should result in good works that we do for the glory of God, Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”. I encourage you to find new ways in your life to serve God and do if for the glory of God. 1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) reminds us, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”.
Dealing with Trials
One last thing I would like to address is when we deal with problems during our short time on Earth. While we will certainly have trials, we can trust in the Lord to provide for us and get us through our trials. Romans 8:28 (NKJV) tells us, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”. If you are concerned about a situation in your life, trust in God and don’t let the circumstances steal your faith and joy in the Lord. When you are concerned about a circumstance in your life, remember what is the worst thing that can happen in your life on Earth, if you have everlasting life through your salvation in Jesus Christ? This is something that we often overlook in life, and need to be reminded of, everything on Earth is only temporary.
Give God All Your Life!
One last scripture I would like to leave with you for this teaching is Psalm 16:-5-11 (NKJV), “O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”. As you go throughout life remember the following, and reflect on these items:
- Focus on the everlasting life you have through salvation in Jesus.
- Don’t invest any unnecessary resources in worldly things.
- Spend more time in the Word than what you currently do.
- Remember that we are not saved by works, but by grace.
- Salvation should cause good works, what can you do to bring glory to God?
- Reflect on Psalms 16:5-11à Have you truly let God all the way into your life?
I encourage you to take some time this week and reflect on these items I shared with you, and seek God to reveal any areas in your life you need to improve on so that you can be more of a light that shines for Him.