Value
Some things I miss as we march into the future. When I was a boy we lived in the country, about 100 miles from a large city. Homes commonly had framed words of wisdom hung on walls. Often the words had been carefully done by needlepoint on attractive cloth.
One framed quote comes to my mind quite often.
Only one life
‘Twill soon be past.
Only what is done
For Christ will last.
Yesterday Laila and I had the privilege of a short ride down country roads just as the sun was setting. We talked about life. The conversation included evaluation of what is important in life. We value God’s family, i.e., all those people around the world who belong to Christ. Our hearts are particularly warmed by thoughts of precious missionaries and friends that we have hosted or whose homes and churches we have visited in more than twenty-five countries. One of the great joys of life is to think upon our love and fellowship with these precious saints…and to pray for them…and to support them. Thankful.
Laila and I talked about the Covenant Family. The heart of a people to care about each other, to care about the community, and to care about reaching far in missions is dear to our hearts. Love that is expressed to us is precious and encouraging. Thankful.
Laila and I are blessed by many friends. They have stood by us, spoken kind words of motivation, and in difficult times offered a helping hand that made a difference. We could not have made it this far without friends. Thankful.
Laila and I value our personal extended families -- moms and dads, brothers and sisters, extended kin, children, son-in-law, and grandchildren. We are indebted to those who have encouraged and stood by us, while knowing our frame and being aware of all our human frailties. Thankful.
There is no day that passes but thoughts of gratitude fill the heart for these blessings. Every day is a gift like money to be spent. If money is not spent, it is but paper or metal and worthless. Money is valuable only when it is used in exchange. Gratitude not expressed can tend to a selfish heart. Selfishness can soon possess a person who does not open his heart to respond and bless others. Our debt to others is greater than we can pay.
Wrapped up in the value of those who stand with us in faith, fellowship, and friendship, is the value of support in an unfriendly world. Value as a human being is attacked on a daily basis by human atrocities, terrorism, war, and the sin that drives multitudes. Selfish fulfilling of the lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and being full of pride rips away the virtue of those who have forgotten that soon life will be past. Only what is done for Christ will last.
“Laila,” I said as we drove past fences and farm fields with pictures more idyllic than any artist could paint, “if we were to die right now, on the other side of our last heartbeat most of what burdens us in this world would not matter at all in the presence of Christ!”
I wonder how different our lives would be if we lived with anticipation of the eminency of meeting God and receiving judgment of our life on earth.
Of this I am sure: I would rather be a fool to this world and be wise to God, than to be wise to this world and a fool to God.
Of this I am sure: I want to finish well. Perfection in the eyes of men may be elusive, but daily will I seek Him whom my soul loves. Daily will I renew my vow to follow Christ. Daily will I take up my cross, deny myself, and seek to lay up treasure where moth and rust do not corrupt, and where thieves cannot break through and steal (Matthew 6:19). Daily will I remember that this may be my last day to labor for Christ who gave his all for me.
Let us stand together, labor together, love together, serve together, and expect a good report card. Let us produce for Our Lord much fruit that will last eternally.
Co-laboring with you,
Pastor Bare
Philippians 3:8