photo credit: Jingles the Pirate
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. – 1 Timothy 6:7
The ancient Egyptians believed that in the afterlife they would continue the occupations they had on earth. So everything they needed for their occupations was placed in their tombs with their dead bodies. Their tombs also contained clothing and a supply of food. Can you imagine funeral ceremonies today if we followed such customs? My hearse would be followed by a large storage trailer with my computer for writing and doing artwork. It would also contain my collection of tropical shirts and a supply of Dr. Pepper.
Somehow, I don’t think our first words in heaven will be, “I brought my suitcase, Lord.” The material things we could pack in a suitcase or a storage trailer will mean little to us in heaven. God will supply all we need. We will no longer hunger or thirst (Revelation 7:16). Christ has already gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:2). And I have a strong feeling this place is better than the homes we have now. The streets of gold will not be clogged with the latest SUVs or the coolest motorcycles. Before God’s throne, we won’t be showing off our Versace gowns or our Armani suits.
If these material things won’t matter in heaven, why do they matter now? Why do we care if our neighbor has a better car than us or a brother has a bigger house? Why is it important whose name is on the label of our clothing? Why do we need the latest when what we have works just fine?
Are we known by our possessions or our passion for God?
- Jason Mitchener is an author, artist, and songwriter from Phoenix, Arizona. You can find out more about him at http://www.JasonMitchener.com or visit his blog on personal development at http://www.ForwardHabit.com. You can also follow him on Twitter at @jasonmitchener.
- Christian Carnival CCXXIII - Tabernacle Edition is up!
- You've been given so much, now what will you do with it?
- Devotional: Building Our Faith
- Devotional: Just Passing Through
{ 1 trackback }
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for this great reminder. It is important to remember our priorities. After all, rampant materialism and debt-fueled consumerism in the pursuit of things is one of the contributors to our current financial mess.
Mirandas last blog post..Credit Card Christmas? Make Sure You’re Using the Right Card for You
Thanks for your comment. I definitely agree that materialism and debt-fueled consumerism contributed to the nation’s current economic crisis.
jasonmits last blog post..When People Say “No, You Can’t” or How Not to Give in to Discouragement
I agree that our culture has become one that is extremely materialistic, and our priorities have gotten way out of wack. Thanks Jason for the great devotional – I look forward to next week’s!
Thanks, Peter!
jasonmits last blog post..When People Say “No, You Can’t” or How Not to Give in to Discouragement
Good post. It is hard when we find out peace in things not in Christ.
Joshua @ Accountable Livings last blog post..Why Forgiveness Is A Key To Financial Success
Exactly. Christ alone gives us true peace.
jasonmits last blog post..When People Say “No, You Can’t” or How Not to Give in to Discouragement