The Long View
Monday 25th August
Most of us have had the opportunity to look down from a building or from the air and observe people running to and fro in a busy city. They look almost like ants as they scurry from place to place.
As we watch them, we have often wondered where they are going and what they are thinking. To each one, his own little world is the important one. It reminds us of the saying ”we are more concerned about our own runny nose than millions dying of starvation in China.”
Perhaps it is beneficial to back away and look at ourselves to see what it is that seems so important to us. Are the things that engaged our attention and consumed our time a year ago still important?
It is interesting to look at an old newspaper. The news happenings and social events described in it were so important then, and yet as we look at the date and realize that all those concerned have long since died, we see their activities in their true perspective as nothing but vanity and vexation of spirit.
In recalling the life of one who has died, there is only one thing that is important. Did they die in the Lord? Were they faithful to God? This is the only important thing and yet as we watch the world milling below, it seems that God is far from their thoughts. Today’s newspaper shows us that civilization is still hustling and bustling around at things that have no lasting values.
As we descend and go out into the street are we any different than those around us? Do we also become another ant running here and there? If we are wise, we will view our life objectively. We will force ourselves to put things in their proper place and not allow our work, our home, and our recreation to take precedence over the one important and enduring thing.
It takes courage and faith to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. It is difficult because those around us are seeking other things. The most important thing in life is also the most neglected. The young man who asked Jesus, ”Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” showed that he lacked the courage and the faith necessary to seek first the Kingdom. Jesus told him to ”go and sell that thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” As we look back we see how short sighted this young man was. Where is he now? What good are his great possessions? The things we are doing and the money we are making may be just like this young man’s ”great possessions” in the day of judgment.
We are wise if we take a good look at ourselves and make sure that we are truly seeking first the Kingdom of God. All the things that we need will be added unto us if we lovingly and faithfully put God first in all that we do. For our Heavenly Father knoweth that we have need of all these things, and in that day when Jesus comes to reign in righteousness he will say unto us, ”Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”