WHAT REALLY MATTERS?

I remember as a young boy being dragged to church. At least that is how my young mind perceived it. Maybe some of you reading this can relate. If you are like me, you look back on it now and realize it was only the tough love of a parent or two that saw beyond my wants to what really was best for me and my siblings. Because someone cared enough to do the best thing, the right thing, I now have a passion for the only thing in all of eternity that really matters.

I have had jobs in my life that paid very well with the best of benefits. I have had relationships that have been too wonderful for words. I have seen a good bit of the world from my time spent in the U.S. Navy. I have experienced many things, some I will never forget and others I sure would like to. I have buried people I dearly loved. I have been there as some have taken their first breath on this planet and celebrated with the parents on that joyous occasion.

I have seen some folks leave this planet not ready to meet their maker and shed tears for their loss. I have also watched as some dear fellow saints have been faithful to the Word of God and departed this earth only to enter the joys of heaven.

I have disappointed many people in my life. And I have been disappointed by people as well. Though broken, discouraged, shattered, hurt, disappointed and sinful, oh yes, sinful; I thank my God that I am healed and alive and encouraged and put back together because of someones concern and love for those who fail.

Look at your life right now. Are you well off? Are you in need of physical things to make you happy? Do you have friends who care? Is your health good or are you ailing from something? Are you young or are you getting to the point of those young folks seeing the wrinkles come through? Maybe you have been hurt or are the one who has hurt others and those relationships are stressed.

I believe we as humans spend too much time looking over our shoulder at what happened, wishing I had done it differently, when we should be looking forward at what is yet possible. To bring it to a point, in all the things in our lives that take place, good or not so good, WHAT REALLY MATTERS? When it comes right down to the bottom line of life, what is it that counts in the END?

It is not whether or not your child wins that next sporting event. It is not how much or how little money you made last year or this year. It is not the price of gas for your vehicle or the type of vehicle you drive. What really matters is your relationship with the One we will all face at the end of our lives. "Were you obedient to His Word and His Son, Jesus Christ?"

Whatever is on your mind as you read this devotion today, let me encourage you, do not let it consume you to the point of missing out on "WHAT REALLY MATTERS!" Listen to God in His Word as He has already spoken and become His child and remain faithful to Him as life approaches its end.

God Bless.......