READING: Ezekiel 22-23, 1 Peter 1
“For all flesh is like grass, and all its glory like a flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”
1 Peter 1:24-25
Right now, I look around my house and see our furniture, our fireplace, our books, our appliances, our dishes, our piano, and so many other things. Then, I step outside to see our cars, our grill, and our property. We’re working hard to pay off our home so that it’s officially and fully ours. Meanwhile, we’re also striving to save wisely to prepare for retirement in the future. We want to rest easily when that day comes.
But then, I read today’s words from Peter – words that describe believers as “temporary residents” (1 Pet. 1:1) who are now living in “the time of your temporary residence” (1 Pet. 1:17). Now, I don’t think anything I wrote in the first paragraph necessarily reflects a wrong attitude toward this world, but I am reminded again today that all of it’s fleeting. Keeping that truth in mind ought to influence my life in so many ways:
- Being holy (1 Pet. 1:15-16) matters more than ever, my knowing that every day is a day closer to being with God.
- I needn’t worry about trials and difficulties, for they are “for a short time” compared to eternity (1 Pet. 1:6).
- All the stuff I have can’t compare to the inheritance I have in Christ “that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:4).
- I must live in holy respect toward the God who redeemed me not with “perishable things . . . but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Pet. 1:18-19).
As cliché as it sounds, Pam and I really will leave it all behind when the Lord calls us home. It’s the Word of the Lord that endures forever (1 Pet. 1:24), and on it we must stand.
ACTION STEPS:
- Be aware today of how much of your life is only temporary. Live for what matters.
- Be holy in all your choices today.
PRAYER: “Father, You are holy. Help me to focus on You today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ezekiel 24-26, 1 Peter 2