I believe it is safe to say that there are many people in our world, and even more so in our country, who are living for today with no thought of tomorrow. There seems to be a certain mindset, within today’s American culture, which promotes the idea of living life for the moment. We are constantly being told, by advertisers and other influential people, that we must go for the gusto; get all you can while you can; don’t miss out on all that life has to offer! This kind of thinking appears to fit very well with the Apostle Paul’s words to the people in Corinth in Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 15:32b, “If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”
Why would I make such an accusation about how I believe people are conducting their lives with no concern for the future. From a secular standpoint, I see many individuals spending beyond there means trying to live the life they desire, not the life they can afford. If others can have a new vehicle, a nice house, and a number of other luxuries, I should be able to, right? The sad part about this is the payments come due and the bills pile up, before we realize the dilemma, we have created for ourselves.
Others go about living their lives with no real concern for how they should be taking care of themselves physically and emotionally. Overeating, eating unhealthy foods, drinking alcohol in excess, overusing illegal or physician prescribed drugs, or exposing oneself to pornography or other psychologically unhealthy materials. Many people do not comprehend the long-term, negative effects of these types of destructive activities.
Viewing things from a spiritual perspective, especially as a Pastor, spiritual leader, and child of God, you and I are to be extremely concerned about how we are living each day. Are we living for the moment, or are we living with the biblical understanding of looking to the future with God’s perfect plan in mind? God wants us to enjoy this life to the fullest, yet we must also see our present actions and activities in light of eternity.
Jesus lived His life in this world always being focused on the eternal ramifications of His actions. Whatever He did in word or deed was done for a greater, more eternally minded purpose. When Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly”, He was not directing it to this world and material goods or worldly success. No, He was speaking of everlasting life through faith in Him as Lord and Savior. What He might have been saying in modern terms is, “Go for the gusto in Me”!
God does want us to enjoy ourselves and be blessed as His creation. But let us not enjoy this life doing those things which God desires us not to do and are physically and emotionally harmful to us. And even more important, may we not involve ourselves in those activities which are detrimental and devastating to our spiritual and eternal well-being. For to live for this world and not for Christ, definitely carries with it everlasting condemnation and consequences.
Enjoy today, live for tomorrow, prepare for eternity!!!!!!!! Pastor McCarty