More Valuable Than Clothes

More Valuable Than Clothes

Hebrews 1: ¹⁰ He also said,
“You, Lord, in the beginning created the earth,
    and with your own hands you made the heavens.
¹¹ They will disappear, but you will remain;
    they will all wear out like clothes.
¹² You will fold them up like a coat,
    and they will be changed like clothes.
But you are always the same,
    and your life never ends.”

 

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After purchasing a new suit, I felt pretty good about myself. But after wearing it only once, I noticed a seam open. I was enraged as I took the garment back to the suit shop. “I didn’t pay this kind of money to get low quality!” was the beginning of my rant. I continued with more words.

 

• I did not even know who I was talking to.
• I did not care that he or she had a relationship with CHRIST.
• I wore the new garment until it went out of style, and I never once thought of the salespeople.

 

As magnificent is the earth, it will one day be destroyed by the one who created it, according to what was revealed to Paul. “They will wear out like clothes” is the analogy to the moon, stars and planets we see and experience. Paul then points to something that is eternal, namely JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD loves people far more than possessions.
• My focus on possessions can sometimes get in the way of GOD’s love for me and other people.
• I am loved eternally.

 

Having clothes and possessions is not a problem until they have me. I mean, when I get mad at people over lack of possessions, or dented or torn possessions, then I forget what GOD wants me to see, namely HIS love for him or her.

 

JESUS is eternal and so are those who believe in HIS salvation. Our life here on earth is temporary. All the titles, things and places will some day be destroyed. All that will remain will be you and me standing in front of GOD, accounting for our lives. I only hope my life is not squandered, rather it bear fruit for GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use clothes as the example?
• Have you ever bought clothes that went out of style and felt like you needed more and more and more and more?
• Will you seek what is eternal, namely a relationship with CHRIST so HE can guide you to bring others to HIM today?

Perspective on Things

Perspective on Things

1 Corinthians 15: ²³ But each one will be raised in proper order: Christ, first of all; then, at the time of his coming, those who belong to him. ²⁴ Then the end will come; Christ will overcome all spiritual rulers, authorities, and powers, and will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father. ²⁵ For Christ must rule until God defeats all enemies and puts them under his feet. ²⁶ The last enemy to be defeated will be death. ²⁷ For the scripture says, “God put all things under his feet.” It is clear, of course, that the words “all things” do not include God himself, who puts all things under Christ. ²⁸ But when all things have been placed under Christ's rule, then he himself, the Son, will place himself under God, who placed all things under him; and God will rule completely over all.

 

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“It’s his thing” or “It’s her thing” were the words used to describe a passion or hobby. I checked my inventory and didn’t have a “thing” that I was doing well or consistently. “I wonder if I need a thing” I pondered. Maybe I could get a distraction.

 

• I wondered if my thing would make me significant.
• I wondered if my thing would define me.
• I wondered if my thing would bring some brief escape from life’s day to day ups and downs.

 

Paul put “things” into perspective. He mentioned that the resurrection of CHRIST happened in the proper order. JESUS will overcome spiritual rulers, authorities and powers, then GOD will defeat the “things” that enemies do. GOD will defeat the last enemy, namely death and place all “things” under JESUS’ feet.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to let go of all “things” and allow HIM to choose what is best for me.
• GOD wants me check to see if the “thing” I am holding onto will be raised or defeated.
• GOD wants me to be excited that HE will rule completely one day and sin will no longer exist.

 

Why do people sin? Is a question I have asked. But the real question is probably, “Why don’t people sin all the time?” I mean, it seems humans are at a disadvantage. Being born with a tendency to sin, blaming GOD for my sin, while trying to be GOD and control outcomes to be in my favor, leaves me powerless.

 

BUT GOD has a better path. HE deliberately chose to live a sinless life, die for my sins and was raised to life and has all authority. GOD wants me to see the benefit in the “things” of CHRIST. I gladly seek HIS “things” as my “things.”

 

Challenge

• What does “all things” mean to you?
• Do you think the writer was speaking about specific people when writing about “defeating all enemies” and putting them under JESUS’ feet?
• What do you notice about CHRIST, who has all authority, being willing to subordinate HIS power to the FATHER, even though they are one?

Seek Peace

Amos 6: Woe to you who are complacent in Zion,
    and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria,
you notable men of the foremost nation,
    to whom the people of Israel come!

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Ah the “good life.” We discussed food, travel, hotels, cars, wine and cigars. Smiles went on all of our faces as we enjoyed the finest of all that was mentioned.

• There have been times when I have had the finest the world has offered.
• There have been times when I sought the best the world could give.
• There have been times when I sought complacency in “my” accomplishments.

Looking back I noticed something missing from our conversation, namely GOD. We never once thanked GOD for all of the fine things we had in our lives, instead we were too busy planning our next move to acquire more or keep what we had. We had become complacent and GOD abhorred it.

GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom first which means I need to look around for those HE wants to bring into HIS kingdom. This also means I need to seek “peace” with those around me and especially with HIM.

Seeking peace with GOD is a daily quest. HE sees and knows my sins yet forgives them anyway! Instead of conversations about the indoor bowling alley I should be asking GOD “What would YOU like me to do with all the stuff YOU gave me?” GOD wants me to use each item HE has given to me to further HIS kingdom.

What good is it to be out of debt only to use HIS money for yet another expensive vacation? HE does not mind time off at a fancy place as long as my thoughts and actions are centered around HIS kingdom.  Complacency is NOT peace. Following GOD is peace!

• What are you seeking?
• Are you trying to pay bills so you can become complacent?
• Can you seek GOD’s kingdom so HE will guide you with your wealth?
• Will you ask GOD for purpose so HE will give you peace?