Don’t Worry About the Temporal
The morning news offers nothing but doom and gloom. Another shooting, more budget shortfalls for our schools, one more politician accused of inappropriate behavior, and the CDC warns of yet another virus. The unemployment rate and the national debt continue to rise, and the politicians can only offer another tax increase. There was another fire, another earthquake, and tornados swept across the plain states overnight. And when our attention is turned globally, it does not get any better.
As I ready myself for the workday, I find myself beginning to grumble at the discovery that one of those boys ate the last piece of pie, ugh! The dryer did not dry my work clothes fully, so I am stuck with damp jeans, err! Milk is expired, guess I will stop and get a biscuit from the hot box at the gas station…ah man I forgot to fill up yesterday, guess I will have to do it on the way. Grumble, grumble, whine and mope has me feeling like I am at the end of the rope.
Not the way any of us would want to start our day. And not the world we hope for, for our children and future generations. Hard to be optimistic when every day the news reports only get darker. Easy to be a conspiracy theorist though, you can throw anything out there, it is likely to come to pass. When we begin to recognize and accept as truth that there are two spiritual kingdoms on the earth, and when we understand that these kingdoms are opposed to each other, then we see that the souls of man are the spoils.
It is at this point that I am writing to those that are in the right Kingdom. Sorry to those that ain’t, but the things of the Spirit of God would seem foolish to you, you would not be able to understand because they are spiritually discerned. But hey, that can be taken care of quick, just believe on the name of Jesus.
The Lord told us that in this world we would have tribulations. (John 16:33) This word tribulation is translated from the Greek word “thlipsis.” It carries the meaning of pressure, burdened, persecution, and trouble. I have searched the Bible, and I cannot find anyone that served God, who did face tribulations. Moses was saddled with those whinny Hebrews. Joseph faced a pit, prison, and Potiphar’s wife. David overcame a lion, a bear, a giant, and Saul. Elijah stood up to Jezebel.
Even Jesus faced pressure and trouble. He woke one morning to the news of His cousin, John the Baptist’s death. He suffered the worst when all the sin of mankind was placed on Him and He felt separation from His Father. Thankfully Jesus did not leave us at “In the world you will have tribulation” He added “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
There is an encouraging command that God has given to His children throughout history, and still requires of all today and that is “Fear not!” The Lord requires that we lay aside our fears and place our trust in Him. There is a theme that is seen throughout the Word of God of eternal and temporal. This is exemplified in many ways. One is by the new covenant replacing the old.
(Hebrews 7:22, 8:8-13) Then in redemption, we are born again, born of the Spirit, we become a new creation and enter newness of life. (John 3:3-8, Romans 6:4-6, 2 Corinthians 5:17)
Stop worrying about the things that will not last. As Christ’s ambassadors we need not be concerned as we see the world moving farther into depravity and despair. This world’s ruler, satan, is working hard to increase lawlessness, corrupt governments, destroy businesses, and devalue life. Our goal should be to pull as many as we can out of his kingdom.
Soon our King will come! Every nation will be his, every knee will bow, and all will confess Him as Lord. Soon we will see a new heaven and a new earth, one that will last for eternity. (Revelation 21:1-5) Stop worrying about the temporal!
So how do we do that?
Know your citizenship, understand your assignment, and recognize Who is your governing authority. Quit trying to save your life, and all your stuff, lay it down and let Him live in you. Set your mind on the things above. Our attention should be toward the Throne, and our affections on spiritual things. Be a witness to God’s wonderful grace, ready to tell of His mighty power to save everyone. Stay alert, armor up, and please use the right weapons. The idea is to win souls, save from death, and lead them from darkness to the Light.
I wrote earlier that much of this article was for us that are in the His Kingdom. I said that if you were not that you could easily transfer. I want to offer you that opportunity now.
There is only one way in which man can be saved. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. The Father loves you and wants you back. He wants all to come to repentance and avoid perishing. This way is free and only requires you to put your faith in His sacrifice on the cross for you.
Romans 10:9,10,13
“That if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and will believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Father, I come to You admitting that I am a sinner. Right now, I choose to turn away from sin, and I ask You to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. I believe that your Son, Jesus died on the cross to take away my sins. I believe that He rose from the dead so that I might be justified and made righteous through faith in Him. I call upon the name of Jesus Christ to be the Savior and Lord of my life. Jesus, I choose to follow You and ask that you fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed this prayer in faith, welcome to the Kingdom! Now quit worrying about the temporal.