Your Eternal Significance

If your life is to really ever count for anything, eternally speaking, you must live it for Christ.  There are no other options.  Matt. 25:31-44 reveals the importance of every action here on Earth, in relation to its eternal significance.  It tells us of the day of judgment, as the Lord reminds those whom He judges what they did, or didn’t, do for Him. Things as seemingly insignificant as giving water to one in thirst, are mentioned (Please read it.).

I'm reminded of a quote from a poem by C.T. Studd... "Only one life, it will soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last." The Apostle Paul said, "To live is Christ, to die is gain.” One minister put it this way, “If for me to live is money – then to die is loss. If for me to live is self – then to die is loss. If for me to live is ambition – then to die is loss. If for me to live is sin – then to die is loss…But if for me to live is Christ, then to die is GAIN!”

Great men and women of God in the Bible, and all down through history, have known this truth and lived it.  So often today, we know that our actions have eternal significance but don’t live like it.  There is great opportunity for you this summer.  Light Our City is not just a one day event this year, but a two month endeavor.  It gives you lots of chances to get out of ‘self’, and serve the Lord by serving others.  If you aren’t already, will you please consider where YOU might plug in to serve someone else? 

God is aware of our actions, and they reflect our souls condition.  He’s taking notes and He is pleased when we deny ourselves and follow Him.  Salvation is free, praise God, but discipleship will cost you!  

What are you doing this summer that has eternal significance?

- Pastor Jerry

Here is an excerpt from that poem written by C.T.Sudd:

...Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”

- C.T Studd