This is a rather hard saying of Jesus. So hard that people often try to skirt around it, and say he didn't really mean what he said; without actually offering a valid explanation for their vague stance. However, I do think he meant exactly what he said, and recent events help bring this perplexing statement into focus.
Let me put it this way, our mortal lives keep us from being as close to the Heavenly Father as we could be in eternal life. Our mortal life is what ties us to this troubled world.
The American dream is ultimately about creating as pleasurable life as possible by the standard of this world. If 2020 has taught anything about this, it's how very fragile worldly hope truly is. As well just how many people feel that the American dream is out of reach. Watching mankind try to fix its own problems, has only revealed just how selfish, shortsighted, and wicked humanity can truly be. Let's face it, the people who love life the most always seem to be the most exploitative. Which is not exactly very Christ like.
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| Our mortal lives are but a drop in the ocean of eternity, don’t sacrifice your eternal life for the sake of a mere drip. |
In light of this let me ask a few questions. What makes you upset about what’s going on in this world? Is it really about right, wrong, or holiness? Or is it about creating or preserving your worldly comfort? An honest answer says a lot about where your heart is really at. Where do you truly put your hope, eternity, or this world? In the end, are you just as worldly in your own way as those who frustrate you, and violate your comfort?
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matthew 6:19-21
The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men; From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth, He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works. The king is not saved by a mighty army; A warrior is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. -Psalm 33:13-17
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. -Genesis 50:20
Trust that God will one day create a perfect world out of our failures.
Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. -Romans 1:24
Sometimes people need to suffer the consequences of their own actions before they can see them for what they are. Don’t stand in their way, or God’s for that matter.
Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.
-Ecclesiastes 8:12
If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you. -Isaiah 54:15
