Dear Church of the Open Bible,
If I were asked to pick a few words to describe what a life of following Jesus is like, one of them would be “tension.” By tension, I don’t mean suspense, so much as stretching. This is a necessary reality when finite creatures like you and me, experience our infinite and holy God. And this inexorable pull is felt in many ways, but one that I am currently feeling is temporal. It is the biblical admonition for us to live in the moment, but not for the moment.
The command to be faithful and fruitful stewards, where and with what and with whom God has given us, can be found through Scripture. But so too is the fact that eternity is on the horizon and that we should live in light of that reality. When Jonah preached a warning to Nineveh about their impending destruction (3:4), I’m sure people were just going about their everyday lives, made up of routines and schedules. But God’s word in that moment forced them to consider eternity.
The Ninevites responded to this clarion call regarding their eternal destiny with heartfelt trust in God and turning from their sin. How has God used His word to remind you of what’s coming? How does your life reflect what matters in light of eternity? May we trust God’s grace to help us live in the moment, but not for the moment.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:19-20