Discover His heart: Knowing the brevity of our lives, He values our eternal gains
The old saying, “You can’t take it with you,” speaks of our entrance into eternity without all the items we’ve collected through the years, and it is a truth that most of us accept. However, a few millenniums ago, the Egyptians were convinced that they could take it all into eternity as a comfort in the afterlife.
In 1922, Howard Carter discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamen who died around 1346 B.C. at the age of 18. The tomb had remained untouched for over 3000 years and contained a treasury of gold and valuable items that boggles the mind. It seems the Egyptians wanted King Tut to be comfortable in his new surroundings by allowing him to take with him all the things he cherished most. Of course, after his death, the young King knew something that the other Egyptians did not know at the time, and that is you just can’t take it with you.
@ Psalm 49
With all the economic problems we’ve had over the past few years, investors have lost a lot of money, and many others have lost their jobs and their homes. The drug lords, swindlers and scam artists seem to be doing all right, however, but according to Psalm 49:16-17, this is not something we should worry about. “So don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave.”
We spend a great deal of time struggling to achieve the measures that society has dictated as success – houses, cars, upscale clothes and shoes and food and…upscale everything! Sadly, our indulgences finally caught up with us a few years ago. The economic problems have caused many to return to basics, but nobody likes it very much, and most people find it depressing. I believe that God loves to bless us with upgrades at times, but it surely must sadden Him when we are depressed without them.
Paul had a good idea of what really defines great wealth, “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” (I Timothy 6:6-8) What great counsel for us today!
Knowing we can’t take all our stuff with us, is it really worth all the time and energy we spend trying to achieve it? James had a way of putting things in the proper perspective, “Your life is like the morning fog – it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” (James 4:14) That about sums it up. Life is short – eternity is a very, very long time. It has been said that through our witness, people are the only thing we take with us into eternity. Wise investments with high returns!
Moving Forward: I’ll enjoy every blessing that I receive today but remain ever mindful of those things with eternal value.
Tomorrow @ Job 33-34
Phyllis Benigas 