Daily Bible Reading: Acts 18
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. ~ Philippians 3:14
Your love for one another will prove to the world
that you are my disciples. ~ John 13:35
When we think of moving we think of having a new house, new neighbors, new friends and we begin dreaming of a new, perfect life. I have recently found that is not always the case in reality. We just relocated to a new area on the Eastside. During the last couple of nights at our old place we were so excited and joyful about the move we could barely sleep. We finally settled into our new place and it felt like home. As the weeks went by though, our mindset began to change. We felt lonely knowing few people and began to feel sorry for ourselves. As this loneliness grew we began to question why God brought us here and if we were where we were supposed to be. And if so, why we felt this way?
Then a new thought hit us! Our focus was wrong. We are so consumed by where we are now when the true goal of meeting Jesus Christ in our true heavenly home is ahead! Followers of Jesus have an amazing eternal life ahead of us, something to look forward to and tell others about. We lost sight of this, and found ourselves focusing on us and not caring for others.
We were not created to just hang out with the people who make us feel good but to love people through authentic relationships and care for those in need. Our purpose isn’t to live a life centered on us but centered on Christ and loving people.
Which leads me to ask, how are you investing in and looking forward to the Kingdom of God? Are you so concerned with your roots here on earth that you’ve lost sight of the heavenly prize that awaits those whose hope is found in the Lord?
Prayer: God, you have called us to live a life not inward focused but outward focused, investing in others for your heavenly kingdom. Help me to not have selfish motives but live a truly generous life caring for others and loving people like you love me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.