Obsession has infiltrated our culture. Images, ideas and thoughts race through our heads about everything from celebrities, television shows, weight, careers, money, sex, movies and kids to any number of items on a regular basis at a speed that is mind-blowing.
We must be pretty bored if juicy gossip about people we don’t even know has become the topic of conversation with our friends and family. Raise your hand if you have done this. (Uh….yes, I’m guilty)
I doubt many of us obsess about giving of our resourses, helping others and forgiving those who have wronged us. (Uhhh…no). Sigh.
I was recently reading a devotional by Max Lucado (love his stuff) and he used the phrase, “Obsess yourself with heaven.” I have chewed on these words and really had to ask myself the question, “Do I?” The answer is, of course, no.
Why don’t I? Isn’t Heaven where I ultimately want to be? Isn’t God the one who takes care of me now and for eternity? Then why don’t I live like it?
There is no easy answer. The truth is that I fail miserably on a regular basis…IF I’m relying on myself. However, there is One whom was sent to be an example of how to live on earth and stepped in to sacrifice himself for my sin. Jesus Christ.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the ways of this world will not make me happy. Big houses, nice cars and a large bank account may be fun to dream about, but they don’t keep my marriage intact, give me healthy children or guarantee I will be happy. And they certainly don’t give me eternal life.
“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
I must admit that I obsess way more about stuff of this world than I do about heaven. So, how can I change this? Let’s see:
Pray for a changed heart. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other to be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” AWESOME!!! That means I can change!!!
Give something away every week. Time and money can make someone else’s life so much better. Look for ways to give away a piece of the comforts we take for granted. (See the same guy begging at the intersection near your grocery store? Give him a hot coffee or a bottle of water or a No. 2 from McDonalds)
Commit to learning about God. Join a bible study, take a class, read the bible or read a book. Do something that puts God in front of your face on a regular basis. James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” How cool is that?!?!?!
Trying harder is not going to get me anywhere. Following Jesus Christ, by truly seeking Him, will. Setting my heart towards cultivating a relationship with Jesus will start my transformation from a worldly-obsessed person to a HEAVEN-OBSESSED person!!
How are you working towards being Heaven-obsessed? I’d love to hear your thoughts!!!
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 20:27 – The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.
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