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
When it's all said and done...
When it's all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters..
Did I do my best to live for truth,
Did I live my life for You.
When it's all been said and done
All my treasures will mean nothing
Only what I've done for love's reward will stand the test of time
Lord your mercy is so great
That You look beyond our weakness...
And find purest gold in miry clay
Making sinners into saints.
I will always sing your praise
Here on earth and ever after
For You've shown me Heaven's my true home
When it's all been said and done
You're my life when life is gone.
.. Lord I'll live my life for you.
Robin Mark