Only Two Things Last – See. Perceive. Act.
Only two things last, former procrastinators. I was taught that from the time I came to salvation in Christ. If only two things last, don’t we want to give them the biggest part of our energy and attention? Don’t we want to invest in those things the most? Wouldn’t those two things shape our thinking and our priorities?
If we invest most of our time and energy into those two things, we can have confidence that our lives on earth have been worthwhile. What a relief and joy that would be. What motivation for living that kind of life!
What are the only two things that last? God’s Word and people’s souls. (Scripture.) Everybody lives after earthly death – either in God’s presence in heaven or away from Him in hell. There’s no ceasing to exist.
If only two things last, the devil will do all he can to steal, kill, and destroy those things in our lives. He will divert us, make us too busy, or make us think we’re too busy. He will bring trials that tempt us to turn away from God. He’ll present “rewards” that lure us away. He will use procrastination as a tool in our lives. His bag of tricks is nearly bottomless and his deceit very effective.
Ask for open eyes to see what the devil is doing, perceive the deceit, and act by drawing near to God. The steps God directs you to take may be hard, but they’ll prove more profitable than what you devise on your own.
Ask for open eyes to see opportunity to invest yourself in God’s Word and people’s souls. Ask to perceive the meaning and application of scripture you read daily, memorize, meditate on. Ask to perceive the heart and needs of other people. Ask for ideas, courage, and open doors to reach out to them.
We burden ourselves with faulty thinking about investing in the lives of others. If you’re a mom, every day is filled with opportunity to point your children to Christ. The love, wisdom, kindness you show do that. It’s the same with co-workers and neighbors. We must also use words.
Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Timothy 2:1-2, Titus 2:3-5 and others admonish us to be deliberate in seeking to invest in others as well. Seek a woman from whom you can learn and seek a woman you can help. I remember thinking at the funeral of an acquaintance, ”I wish I’d known her better. She was wise and fun and really knew God’s Word.” I should have asked her.” Coffee or a phone call once a month would’ve nourished my soul. We need the experience and wisdom of those ahead of us on the road. It’s God’s design and instruction that we invest in each other.
The effect of our lives can be lasting.
Aside from church, how do you focus on God’s Word? How do you receive regular encouragement from another woman?
