Often times the hustle and bustle of life can derail the most faithful people. It can happen unintentionally, and before a person realizes it, life is either headed in a bad direction or is in shambles. The devil loves nothing more than to captivate the minds of Gods children with the cares of the world and this life. Scripture is clear, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world” (1 John 2:15). “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1). It is so easy to lose focus on what really matters.
This short blog, hopefully, will serve to call minds back to the important things in life. When one considers the most important things in life, topping that list should be going to heaven. The writer wants to discuss the two things a person must do in order to go to that heavenly city.
First, what really matters is an individual’s relationship with God. Without a proper standing with God, one will not be prepared to enter the eternal abode with Him. Gods house is full of rooms (John 14:2), and those are reserved for His children. Those not in the family of God have no right to any inheritance.
So, to have a relationship, it takes desire. God has already proven His desire for all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4) in that He sent Jesus, His Son, to offer salvation to the world (John 3:16; 1 John 4:14; Matthew 11:28-30). Then, it becomes mankind’s obligation to demonstrate desire to cultivate a relationship. This is where the “rubber meets the road.” If a person desires a relationship with God, that relationship requires work.
That work manifest in private prayer. DA Carson said, “Effective prayer is the fruit of a relationship with God, not a technique for acquiring blessings.” That work continues to develop in pondering precepts. Bible study is connecting one to the voice of God. When a person needs direction in their life, the Bible points to the direction God desires for them. This is a person “growing in the grace and knowledge” (2 Peter 3:18). For more reading on this particular point, see Romans 10:17; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 7:24; Hebrews 1:1-2; Psalm 119:104. Finally, personal practice is necessary in developing a relationship with God. When a person has a desire to be in a relationship with God, makes an effort to talk to Him through prayer and listens to His word, they must be willing to practice what the word has instructed them to do. For reading on personal practice, read, John 7:17; James 1:21-27; Luke 6:46 and 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
Second, what really matters is an individual’s relationship with their fellow man. To help accomplish this, this author is going to make four suggestions. 1) Love Others (Philippians 2:2-4). 2) Respect Others (Ephesians 4:31-32) 3) Accept Responsibility for ones own actions (1 Corinthians 11:28; 2 Corinthians 13:5) 4) Manage ones emotions (Ephesians 4:15,25; Galatians 5:16-21; Colossians 3:1-2).
If everyone would do these two things, get right with God, and get right with their fellow man, then all can go to heaven. Jesus said as much in Matthew 7:12 and Matthew 22:37-40. It really is that simple and it is what matters most.
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