When asked the question “What ‘convenience’ in the last 50 years would you most have trouble living without?” the answers could be many. But the top one, it seems is technology….the internet, cell phones and other devices.
It seems daily there is a new ‘gadget’ that promises to make life simpler, and offers us more time ‘to do what we like to do best’! Of course most of us would loathe not having a vehicle to get around in, or electric or a hundred other things we consider ‘necessary’!
CHASING THINGS
But it’s crazy to see how money, all the ‘stuff’ money can buy, achievements, and recognition become so important in our lives, that they virtually define us. We keep chasing these ‘things’ until they begin to drive our ethics, work hours, passions, life goals and even our sense of fulfillment!
We can totally build earthly kingdoms. People have been fighting to have all they can get for years. But have you ever asked yourself ‘What am I really building?’ or ‘What happens to all my possessions when I’ve taken my last breath?’ “What will people remember about me?’ Or even…’Will people remember me at all?’
LIFE FOREVER CHANGED
In a single moment, my life forever changed. That moment when Charles passed over, changed my perspective on what’s important. Is my life about my ‘stuff’ or about what I’m doing to further God’s Kingdom?
When we consider eternity, none of the things we’ve accumulated will go with us. Everything this world offers is temporary. Our eternity is not.
CHOOSING WHAT MATTERS MOST
Don’t misunderstand, there is nothing wrong with desiring comfort and the good things this life offers. But there comes a time when we have to choose what matters most. When we live a life where our stuff is most important, and flirt with the grand temptations of the world, we’re missing the most life giving piece we could ever imagine.
But as widows our lives have dramatically changed, and find we ourselves trying to cling to every good thing we have, because we’ve, or the one we loved, worked so hard to get it.
GREATER TREASURE IS WAITING
Many of us fear losing everything we have, should a crisis hit, over which we have no control. There’s always the threat of war, conflicts or unrest. It’s not like that with God. Once we’re His, he has us covered, no matter what. Even if we lost everything we owned, —even our very lives —we can know we have greater treasures waiting for us! We are promised an eternal home with Christ, and sights our minds can’t even imagine!
Having ‘stuff’ isn’t wrong. But when God is the the center of our lives and prioritized above all else, we are changed.
We’re only here for a little while and then we too, are going to be gone. Our lives are described as being a mist, breath, wisp of smoke, transient, a shadow— all indicating temporary. Additionally we are called aliens, pilgrims, foreigners, strangers, visitors, or travelers, just passing through.
CITIZENS OF HEAVEN
As believers, this is not our home; we are citizens of heaven. While we’re still here, even as widows, we have work to do. It’s not about collecting— or keeping stuff.
THERE’S STILL WORK TO DO
Our work is to faithfully share our story, so someone else can see Jesus. God is with us and can bring us through every ordeal…even grief. We can look forward to God’s Kingdom, where riches, one day, will overflow!
Surviving Together In Loss And Love 
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