When it's all Said and Done  

One of the neat parts of email is that people of varying types are brought into conversation with each other - types that we might not had any opportunity to meet before. Unfortunately - most of us are in physical fellowship with folks very similar to ourselves - culturally, financially, etc. Here we are all on common ground - not knowing or caring whose name is on our tennis shoes, what kind of car we drive or if all our plates match :)

Anyway, in each of our lives, we each have different goals - different desires - different struggles. Some of us are on top of the world financially while others work several jobs just to put food on the table. Some are very secure in marriages, others not so secure - others are single. Some of us are passionate and loud, others are quiet and steady. However, in ALL these differences, in ALL the different temptations that come with each of our lifestyles - there is one common goal that we must keep before us at all times. When it's all said and done - did we honor God, remember him - give  him all of ourselves no matter what our circumstances? As we look back on our lives and as we look forward to that end that's quickly approaching for us all - can we honestly say that we looked to him through it all? Sometimes it's so easy to let go of the purpose for it all. This modern world does a good job of keeping our focus UNfocused. Or we may be very clearly focused, but it's  on the worldly cares that come with our different lifestyles.  A book I'm reading right now illustrates it so well:

"The body depends on the eyes for light. Now if your eyes are in focus, then the body will have clear light. But if your eyes are not in focus then your whole body will be in confused darkness.

Your sense of values is to the soul what the eye is to the body. It enables you to see things in their proper perspective. It enables you to get your bearings and sense of direction. But the eye must be in focus. If both eyes are fastened on a single objective, then you are seeing clearly - you are not confused. But if your eye is out of focus from attempting to look at more than one object at a time, your "light" will be darkness; you will see nothing clearly.

So Jesus is saying that to try to regulate your life by both standards of measurement is like someone who tries to look at two things at once and sees neither. You will be utterly confused. You must focus your life upon one way or the other. You must choose whether you are going to look upon things through the eyes of Christ or the eyes of the world."

Sermon on the Mount by Clarence Jordan

alice