Eternal Values

Chuckle: “Why is it that you always find what you’re looking for in the last place you look? Because you stop looking for it after you find it.”

Quote: "Whenever the insistence is on the point that God answers prayer, we are off the track. The meaning of prayer is that we get hold of God, not the answer." --Oswald Chambers

VALUABLES WITH ETERNAL WORTH:

"He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor" (Proverbs 21:21 NIV). "Seek first his (God's) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these (other) things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:32 NIV).

Each of us will approach God in our own way to gain understanding of the values he would have us assimilate into our hearts and lives. However, here is a simple set of steps that may help guide you toward that end.

1. Focus on the valuable. "For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good" (Job 34:3 NIV). Have you determined what is right, good, and important for your life? Rich or poor, you can have the joy of knowing you're living by values that are important to God. Don't be deceived by the world's values, but seek God's values. Write down what's most important to you -- your valuables. Will they last?

2. Discard the valueless. This is elementary but so important. "Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your Word" (Psalm 119:37 NIV). Say, "My family members are important and I will spend time with them." "I will wisely spend the money God has given me for Him and my family." "I will guide and teach (disciple) my family in spiritual matters." You begin to give God His place. Eliminate anything that does not build relationships with God and other people. Remember, you can't add God's values (priorities) to a life already filled and stressed to the max with other time-consuming less important activities unless some less important things are eliminated. Time for prayer, Bible study, family, church, etc. must replace something in a busy life.

3. Focus on the eternal. What lasts? What matters? What continues? "And now these three things remain (forever): faith, hope, and love" (I Corinthians 13:13 NIV). If you love God and people, and make them your priorities, you're building a life of eternal value. If you have a strong and growing faith in Jesus Christ, you have discovered the important. You will win at life! The test of your faith is how important other people are to you.

What is most important in your life? You have two options: the world's values or God's values. Which appeals to you the most? To which set of values is your heart drawn? Sadly, "Some have missed the most important thing - they don't know God" (I Timothy 6:21 NIV). If you don't know Jesus Christ as Savior, Just open your heart to him and by faith claim the most valuable gift of all time. "Everything else is worthless compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. . ." (Philippians 3:8 NIV).

Love, Jerry & Dotse