It’s a matter of priorities. And how we define life.
The other day I was talking to my doctor about a problem I am having. She said she could prescribe a medicine that would solve my problem, but it would add the risk of another problem. So I had to choose. Which problem did I want to solve? Which solution would gave me a better life?
I can define life by quality of life or length of life. In my case, taking the medication would improve my quality of life now but risked shortening the length of my life. Which is my priority?
Jesus is saying something similar in today’s verse. He is saying that I have a choice. If I prioritize my life now (my comfort, goals, desires, and ambitions), I will perhaps be more comfortable, for now. Maybe I will achieve some success, fame or fortune. Maybe. But then I will die. The end. I will have spent my life striving with nothing lasting to show for it. At least nothing I can enjoy.
However, if I prioritize Jesus and the gospel, I may sacrifice comfort now, but my life will have more meaning and lasting value. God’s goals are so much wiser and more beautiful than my goals. And then, at the end, I will inherit eternal life. Not just a few more years tacked on at the end of my life when I’m already old and frail. He’s talking about living forever with Him in a new and perfect world.
Is it a tough choice?
Dear God,
Thank you for inviting me into your priorities. Teach me how to choose your priorities today. Remind me again and again. Please forgive me when I choose my comfort or decide I want to control things and do them the way I want to do them. Give me the courage to trust you and let you lead me. I trust you!
CamDevo 