The "Eternity Test"

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  

Matthew 6:19-21

We have enough going on in the world around us without having to worry about small things too. Yet, it often becomes the small things that distract us the most. We get hit by winds of lifestyle, waves of financial and people pressure, along with tremors and quakes of day to day stress. It is hard to find rest, much less contentment in life when all of this goes on around us every day.

Our verse above, Jesus teaches that the perspective of our heart will determine the things of value in our lives. It becomes what we manifest. When my focus is on things, toys, this life, things that are corruptible and belonging  to this world - then I will ever be chasing the rainbow! There will never be enough, there will always be anguish, there is never an end. And then, if I get to the point of receiving what I have longed for, I get it only to find that it only lasts for "x" years, or I have to renew it, or someone changes the rules of the game. 

The real secret to becoming content is to focus on the things that have eternal value. It may be a familiar teaching to you, but Jesus said we should store up our treasures in heaven - the spiritual things, not on earth, “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Mt 6:19-21) the physical things. 

Think about the things in your life:

• What are you chasing after?
• Will it/they last forever?
• Will last at least for your lifetime?
• Will it/they last a few short years, months, or days?

Here's an important consideration. If you give the things that swallow your current life an "eternity test" do they last? With that perspective, which things become most important? Where — and with whom — should you put most of your time and energy?  Reorganize your life around eternal priorities and purposes, and you’ll find yourself growing in contentment as well. 

Everything you were taught can be put into a few words: Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about.  Eccl. 12:13 CEV

Jim