Does it still sound absurd?
I’m I the only one thinking it is absurd? I’m seating at the reception of one of the
biggest advertising companies in Nigeria, chilling for an interview and instead
of rehearsing my lines (I’m I the only one that does that?), I’m thinking about
this statement and the man of God that caused this line of thought and writing
this note.
In his words, “Many people will get to heaven, and God will
show them all the cars, lands, property, and money they were supposed to have
on earth” I know these things are not bad, but is that what is in the mind of
God? Is that all there is to existing on
earth? So, when you have owned
everything, what next? To what end is
chasing after all these things anyway? For the fleeting pleasures that will end
here on earth?
Did Jesus die so we could have earthly treasures? Were those his thoughts as He was whipped and
as he carried that cross to Calvary?
“Lord, by these stripes, give them cars, houses and every earthly
treasure”
Like I said, there is nothing wrong with these things, but
when they become your yardstick for measuring success and approval of your life
on earth by God then you have it all wrong.
These things are mere blessings that God gives man out of the goodness
of His heart; he blesses both the sinner and the saint. The bible says “... for He makes His sun rise
on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Matthew 5:45
God does NOT care how many cars, houses or how much wealth
you amass here on earth, it is very inconsequential to Him. If that was the reason He sent His son to
die, then we are all doomed. If that is
all He wanted us to have, then Jesus should have just stayed in heaven.
The only thing God is
interested in is the souls of men. I don’t
know what will happens when we die, I have never died before. However, I have heard people say and read in books that
when we stand before God, our entire life will flash before us and many will
weep in deep deep deep sorrow for the life they lived. I doubt if these people will be weeping
because of all the cars, houses, lands, and money they did not own on earth. I believe they would be weeping for their
soul and the many souls that perished as a result of the foolish choices they
made on earth.
It is sad that many people would read the title of this note
and think how absurd it is, but in reality, that is exactly how they are
living. Many Christians only serve God
because of what He can give them; they are not a tad bit interested in what God
requires of them. May I remind you that none
of these things will get you into heaven; they would not even follow you to
your grave. In the eyes of God, they are
only chaff that will burn in the fiery judgment of God.
Only the things you do that align with the heart of God will
stand and speak for you in the presence of God.
It is an insult to think that the stripes Jesus bore are only for your
own lustful and earthly benefits. God
will not allow you make a mockery of such great sacrifice. So, while you are busy chasing all these
things on earth, ask yourself this question; to what end? If all you have accomplished and all you are worth on earth is a couple of houses, cars, money etc, then in the eyes of God you are worthless.
I’ll leave you with this thought...
11 For no
one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus
Christ. 12 If anyone
builds on this foundation using gold,
silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their
work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with
fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what
has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is
burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only
as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
Choose therefore
how you will build... Wood, hay, and straw (all earthly treasures) do not do
very well in fire. Pursue God, chase after His heart and not the things of this world. His stripes are worth more that mere cars, money, houses and every other worthless thing we pursue here on earth. In God's eyes, they are only 'things' 'add-ons'. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.Matthew 6:33
So help us God.