Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
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Our goal is eternal life. We don’t coast to the finish line. We see Olympic swimmers that were ahead lose the race, because the other swimmer touched the wall of the pool one hundredth of a second before them. We run the full race even through the last stroke.
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” 1 Corinthians 9:24
“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14.
“Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.” 2 Peter 1:10-11.
I grew up in Muskegon, Michigan, the only child of a surgeon. Although we did not consider ourselves rich (maybe comfortable), most people would have considered us rich. In high school, we built a beautiful home on a sand dune on Lake Michigan. I fondly remember looking at the sparkling lake and thinking big thoughts.
In bad moments, I wonder why I still don’t have a home on Lake Michigan. I could be so much a better writer if I could look at the lake while I wrote.
But, in my good moments, I come to my senses and realize that I don’t need a home on the lake to be happy or productive. I get to drive down Park St. every day and look at the sparkling water on Boca Ciega Bay, and the sun shines in St. Pete every day. We don’t need to own to be happy or productive. “God, (indeed) … richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”
My view may not be of Lake Michigan, but my view is of God’s Words. “They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:10.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 