Things

We all love our things don't we? I have wasted enormous amounts of money and time on things in my life. So what kind of things am I talking about? Well, any material object or activity that takes time and/or money that is not glorifying to God. Recently, I have become so irritated with my children because of their obsession with electronic things. This generation seems to be unable to function without some kind of stimuli being pumped into their brains continuosly. Ipods, laptops, mp3 players, gameboys, xboxes, cell phones, you name it. If you take one from them they come back with 3 more. They are addicted to these gadgets. They do not understand the concept of anything being more important to you than God is idolatry. When warned repeatedly, they listen but they do not hear. I use my children as an example of our addiction to things, but this affects us all in one way or another. What is your thing? Is it spending countless hours watching television when you could be reading the Bible or on your knees seeking God? Or maybe you're older and your grandchildren are your "life"so to speak. Maybe your children are the most important thing to you? I don't know. We are such a busy society. Our time is precious and we must use it wisely. Maybe you work 80 hours a week seeking the American dream? If so, wealth and luxury may just be your thing. Maybe you're involved or have your children involved in every kind of sport or extra curricular activity that you can squeeze in. Maybe the church is your idol? Oh yes, if you have become so obsessed with everything going on in the church, that you forgotten your first love(Jesus) then you have fallen into sin. Where does it end? We waste our money on new cars that we don't need, homes big enough for 3 families, and every other useless pleasure our sinful hearts desire. We have been taught to be such a materialistic, and self gratifying society. We are slaves to our own debt. While the rest of the world starves and struggles to survive daily, we waste our time and money on more useless things. I am not condemning us for being blessed, but honestly, how much stuff do we really need? How much of our time must we waste on worldly activities? How much time and money do we spend on the kingdom of God verses this dieing world we live in? Romans 12:2
 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.
The Bible tells us plainly that though we are in the world, not to be conformed to it. I understand we have to be part of the world to a point, but where do we draw the line? Do we heap up our treasures here on earth or do we store up our treasures in Heaven? Jesus tells us in Luke 12:34  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Where is your heart? Is it bombarded by the lusts of the flesh to heap up material wealth in this life or to store up treasure in Heaven? Do you prefer spending quiet time with God, or would you rather catch a movie? I could go on and on, but you should see the point I am trying to make by now. We have a choice. We will be held accountable for these choices one day. Are your "things" your idols? Is your time spent on worldly activities more precious to you than your time spent with Jesus? These are important questions we need to ask ourselves. We live in the most distracting time ever. We are literally flooded with news and information daily. We must be careful that no matter what, we never set God to the side. When we take our eyes off of Jesus even for a moment, we stray into sin. We must focus on Jesus all day everyday. Don't waste your lives on the pleasures of this world. We should use what little time we have to go about the Fathers business. Yes, I know we have to work, but we can control what we do in our spare time. Yes, the Lord wants us to be happy and enjoy our lives.......but not at His expense, for our joy is in the Lord. In case you are blind to the signs of the times, we are nearing midnight. Now more than ever, we should be seeking our Savior and doing His will. Time is running out. Our things will not save us, our money will be useless to us. We must focus on the Lord Jesus Christ. We must pray earnestly that on that day, we will be found worthy to stand before the Son of Man. Now is not the time to be preoccupied with the folly of this world. Put away your worthless things and seek Christ. Jesus has to be first. Do you understand that? First. No, He will not understand that your child, or mother, or job were more important to you than Him. First or nothing. Ask yourself, is He really first in my life? Or do you say this with your lips and lie in your heart? See, He knows, you will not be able to fool the Lord. Some "things" are just the plain truth.
Written by Kirk