06/10/2024
This morning we contemplate the sufferings of this world and life as compared to the spiritual rewards we have through our faith. The pain, disappointment, and anguish we have as we pass through this existence seems great, but when compared to our final reward it is nothing.
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.”
Romans 8:18-19 KJV
Romans 8 is an incredible chapter! It encourages us in the spirit and gives us the hope we need to navigate the troubles of our worldly lives. In this chapter we are taught the importance of our spiritual selves and told how unimportant our physical suffering truly is. Paul speaks to us about concentrating our efforts on spiritual endeavors. He tells us about the result of dwelling solely in this world as opposed to living a spiritual existence...
“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
Romans 8:5-6 KJV
Every day we are surrounded by the carnal world and it plays to our own carnal desires. We are tempted by Satan who would have us believe that the pleasures of this world are all important, but don't be deceived; live within the spirit.
“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
Romans 8:12-14 KJV
We watch as people around us place all of their efforts and faith in achieving the things of this world; money, power, fame, and even comfort, but as the old saying goes... "You can't take it with you." Every so often archeologists discover another tomb of some Pharaoh, king, or great person of the world, and isn't it revealing that their bodies are still there in the ground surrounded by all of those treasures they thought would accompany them into the afterlife?
“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
1 Timothy 6:7-8 KJV
We should toil in this world to survive, and then dedicate the bulk of our attention to our God and Savior. I know a woman who was overweight; she went on a diet and started losing the pounds. As she lost more weight she became enamored with her success and redoubled her efforts. More pounds were lost and she became thinner and thinner. Eventually she reached her "normal" weight, but by this time she couldn't stop dieting; it had become an obsession. Then she became sickly, she started having physical ailments; she was hospitalized on several occasions, and yet she still continued to diet... It ruined her life, and although she still clings to it, her hold on it is precarious. This is what happens to us when we forsake the proper balance between our physical and spiritual lives.
We should work to survive, or as another saying goes, "work to live, don't live to work." The important things in life aren't those possessions of this world, they are the intangible things of faith and love. Jesus died an earthly pauper, and yet His wealth in heaven is without measure. The love He gave to us is still alive today and will be through eternity... in each of us.
So this morning when we pray, let's ask God to place our lives in balance and order. Let's ask Him to increase our spiritual treasure, our faith in Him, our faith in Christ, and the love we have for our families and one another. These are all things we either take with us when we die, or leave behind in the living hearts of those we love. Let's pray for wealth, but not earthly fortunes, no, let’s pray for heavenly treasure that can't be lost in death.
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39 KJV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for leading us to see the importance of spiritual treasure, and how unimportant the things of this world actually are. Thank you Lord for teaching us to love our neighbors, our families, and our enemies, even when we find that sometimes they can be one and the same. Thank you for showing us the difference between liking and loving those around us. Help us Father to love those we might not like very much, and to turn the other cheek to our enemies without the love you have told us to have for them becoming hatred. Help us to pray for those who are worldly, bitter, or disrespectful to us, while keeping a firm grip on the spiritual treasure we have gathered for ourselves. Show us how to distance ourselves from them physically, yet how we can continue to remain spiritually engaged in praying for their souls and salvation. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who was, and is, and is to come, and who loved us enough to send your Son Jesus Christ to save our souls, and overcome death for us. You did this Father while we were still walking the world as sinners. Praised be you name for hearing our prayers and interceding for us, and those for whom we pray for each day in worldly matters. Merciful are you who teaches us spiritual lessons through our trials, tribulations, and the temptations of the world about us. Over each of these things we seek victory, and will give you all the glory for it.
Amen!
Rich Forbes