Aloha, peoples!
Today's blog is going to be about the Sermon on the Mount. Now that I've said that, I'll give you a moment to laugh about the title of this blog. Okay, so now that you're done, I'll get started.
Matthew 6:19-24 deals with treasures in heaven. You've all heard the saying before, but I believe that repetition breeds redundancy. Regardless of this, I will break it down for you: what you have here is not going to last forever. What you have in heaven, however, is. Therefore, you should store up for an eternal life and not your earthly life.
What does this mean, this concept of storing up treasures? How does one accomplish this? Well, by spreading God's Word and following His commandments, of course!
Let me give you a hypothetical scenario: You're a captain in the Air Force Reserves with good pay, a sweet life, an awesome family, and no worries yet. (Yeah, I know it's not likely, but this is hypothetical, remember). One day, your boss comes in and says, "Major What's-his-face just retired, and there's a promotion position open for you. It means better pay, bigger house, and more power in the workplace. Oh, and there's only one downside--you have to move to Washington, you'll see your family about three times a year, excluding holidays, and your children will grow up without a father figure. Whaddaya say?"
So, if you choose the Mo' Money path, you'll be doing a disservice to your family, but getting tons of dough. However, if you chose the Family Life, you'd be choosing to raise your family. The first way, the Mo' Money Path, leads to riches on earth, which will pass away. However, if you make the other choice, the Family Life, you'll be able to train up your children to do what's right, love on your wife, and generally be a good dad. So if Mo' Money leads to riches on earth, then the Family Life leads to riches in heaven.
Now, this isn't a blue pill, red pill moment. What I'm trying to say is that your choices affect how you will be rewarded in heaven. If you choose to be a slob and not work for others, your heavenly rewards will be little. If you work your heart out helping people, then your heavenly rewards will be great. Does this mean that our only motives for helping people should be selfish? No, that's not the point. The point is that unselfish sacrifice is repaid with eternal rewards.
Peace out, Phoenicians.
--JesusFreak
Well Said, Kyle! As always, your thoughts are accurate and engaging. There are a lot of scenarios one can think of to apply the 'riches' verses to, and of course, your's is particularly apt to my own experience. However (comma) you must allow me to play the Devil's Advocate for a moment. My Dad has always said that he'd love to serve overseas for a longer assignment, despite the stress, worry, and loneliness it might put on our family. I asked him why this was, and he told me that part of being in the military was to serve your country to your fullest ability. I complained that he could do just that this side of the pond. He still felt differently, but he made a point that has me thinking: despite the difficulty it would put our family in, wouldn't that be the lesser of two evils? Or the better of two goods? If he went to serve overseas, he would serve well and for a greater cause than money or promotions or personal well-being. Sure, it might be hard, but the end reward would be worth the fight.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your opinion, and for making me think. :)
Jess
P.S. If I really had to choose, I'd go for the red pill. Every time. ;D