I am going through the annual process of packing for my trip to the States. Sometimes this can be challenging. The reason is simple: I have plenty of “stuff,” but not much of it will fit in a suitcase. Almost all of my belongings are left here, and only a few important items can come with me.
There is a spiritual analogy in this experience. According to the Bible, this life is temporary, so we should think of it as preparation for eternity. When we die, we leave everything behind. Even your most precious earthly possessions have no eternal value. Only a few things will “fit” in our “eternal suitcase.”
All we can take into eternity is our relationship with God and our service to Him. If we are not careful, we will spend all of our time on things which really do not matter. Jesus warned about this approach to life:
Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
–Luke 12:16-21
Rick Warren said it this way:
“When you fully comprehend that there is more to life than just here and now, and you realize that life is just preparation for eternity, you will live differently. You will start living in light of eternity, and that will color how you handle every relationship, task, and circumstance. Suddenly many activities, goals, and even problems that seemed so important will appear trivial, petty, and unworthy of attention. The closer you live to God, the smaller everything else appears.”
–Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life
How much of your life are you spending on eternal things? What’s in your suitcase?
This is a very good reminder,your blog made my day..Thanks Kuya Kevin!
yeah, i agree.life is precious..we should spend it for God and make the most of it…
I remember the book “The Treasure Principle” written by Randy Alcorn
while I am reading your article.
I want to share what I have learned….
It is true that our LIFE IS TEMPORARY so it is unwise to store up treasures on earth.
Bible says:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
Randy Alcorn said in his book:
You can’t take it with you but you can sent it on ahead.
TREASURE PRINCIPLE KEYS
God owns everything. I’m His money manager. (We are the managers of the assets God has entrusted – not given- to us)
My heart always goes where I put God’s money. (Watch what happens when you rellocate your money from temporal things to eternal things.)
Heaven, not earth, is my home. (We are citizens of “a better country – a heavenly one” Hebrews 11:16)
I should live not for the dot but for the line. (From the dot – our present life on earth – extends a line that goes forever, which is eternity in heaven.)
Giving is the only antidote to materialism. (Giving is a joyful surrender to a greater person and a greater agenda. It dethrones me and exalts Him.)
God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving. (God gives us more money than we need so we can give – generously.)
This is so refreshing. Thank you and God bless you.
Jessica (Cebu)