Things That Last

It was not so long ago that we celebrated Christmas.  We decorated our homes, sang songs, purchased gifts, ate food, opened presents, and enjoyed times of celebration with family and friends.  Have you noticed that some of the new things that you received for Christmas are changing?  They are beginning to fade.  They are not used as much as when you first received them. They have dents or cracks.  They are beginning to corrode.  They are outdated because something newer has come on the market.  Things in this world just do not last.  Since this is true, we ought to ask ourselves, “What in the world is going to last?”  The Bible points to two things.

1)      God’s Word will last.  Peter tells us, “For, ‘all men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.’” (I Peter 1:24-25). Reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word is not only a good thing to do; it is imperative because in it we are told how God wants us to live.  Furthermore, we are also told specifics regarding what Scripture does for us.  The Bible says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17).  Scripture’s usefulness comes through instruction, reprimanding, improving, and teaching which is all for the purpose of helping us grow and be prepared for godly living. The Bible challenges us to, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).  This means that when we allow God’s Word to be engrained in our lives it will not only help us grow spiritually but we will also be enabled to help others.

2)      People will last.  The Apostle John reminds us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  People were created by God to have fellowship with Him both now and in the future.  The disciple Peter tells us that “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (II Peter 3:9).  Therefore, we ought to be about the business of making sure that we have a right relationship with God and that other people have the opportunity to become part of God’s family as well.  John continues to say, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12).  It was Jesus who said, “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life” (John 6:47). People are important and God wants them involved in eternity with Him.

So, the two things that will last are God’s word and people.  This should give us cause to think about an application question.  The question: “Where am I spending my time?  Is it with God’s Word and with people or with something that will not last?”  Take time to evaluate your life and your activities and then take appropriate action.

Contentment

Question #1: Are you a child of God?  According to Scripture, you are if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus as your Savior (John 1:12).  Question #2: How do you live as a child of God?  The Bible says we are to live wisely (Ephesians 5:15).  Some people become anxious and fearful about things that happen to them.  Sometimes, even people who are children of God tend to forget that they are a member of God’s family and that they should entrust their lives to God.  In the Bible, the Apostle Paul said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11-12).

Here are several life situations.  Think about what a child of God might do in these circumstances.

1)      A Strained Relationship.  Suppose a relationship with a family member has gone bad.  A child of God could think of persons who may have never known what it is like to love and be loved and pray for that family member.

2)      Purpose in Life.  Everyone wants their life to count for something.  A child of God can be thankful to God because God has gifted every child of His with abilities to do things well.  There are many people who struggle to find purpose in life.

3)      Unkind People.  Perhaps you might encounter someone who is unkind, bitter, or harsh as they interact with others.  If you are a child of God, you can pray for that individual asking God to help you be courteous and kind to them and to others.

4)      Physical Difficulties.  Some people do not have vocal cords with which to speak and sing or hands to use to help others.  You can thank God for what you can do and pray for contentment for these people.

5)      Failing Health.  You may find yourself with failing health or maybe you are unable to get around like you used to.  If you are a child of God, you can be thankful for the portion of health that God has given you and that He meets all your needs.  You can also pray asking God to help those who have difficulty in these areas.

The child of God should have a contented life.  However, notice that the Apostle Paul said that contentment is something that needs to be “learned” – it does not just happen naturally.  It does not matter what the situation is - even if you are challenged by your circumstances.  You can always give thanks to God and ask Him to give you an attitude of contentment.  What is the secret of contentment?  It is to trust God completely and trust Him in everything. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I challenge you to live a contented life.