We are living in a day in age in which it is easy for us to become so busy with the cares of this world. We get so caught up in staying current with what is trendy that we often forget about the true meaning and purpose of life. Many people think that the mark of success in life is becoming a millionaire, being elected to office, curing a disease, and many other things. However, what truly matters is after you pass from this life, is hearing “Well done my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
So often people are worried about building their own kingdoms on this earth. You will see some people chasing money all their life, which the Bible warns us about the love of money being the root of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). It amazes me that people will chase so many things in this life to realize that one day they will physically die, and someone else is going to get all their stuff. But we will spend so much time worrying about how to pay for this and that all the time. Now I am not saying we should not practice financial stewardship, I am all for Biblical financial stewardship, and honoring God in the area of finances.
Check out this parable Jesus gave in Luke 12:16-21 (NLT), “Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”.
This rich man had so many crops that he did not have enough room, and he decided to build bigger barns so he could expand his own kingdom. This rich man thought that he had it all figured out, however when his life came to an end, he soon came to realize that all his earthly treasure meant nothing in the end.
We get so consumed with deadlines whether for school or work, along with the many other obligations of life that we neglect to put our priorities in line. We have a great tragedy today and that is so many people in the church are worldly-minded. Some of these people may be genuine believers while others may be false converts. However, the point is that worldliness is more sophisticated now than what it was when the Apostle Paul wrote “do not be conformed to this world” (Romans. 12:2).
We need to set our minds on the things of God and cultivate a deep desire to know His Word and spend time in prayer, and personal worship, and communion with Him. We need to shift our mindset from worldly things to the things of the Kingdom of God. 2 Peter 3:8 (NLT) says, “But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A Day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.”. That is so powerful, our lives are like a drop of water in the Pacific Ocean when compared to how long eternity is.
Brothers and sisters in Christ I urge you to examine yourself, are you rich in your life in this world, or are you rich in your relationship with Jesus Christ?