"That Which Matters"

    In a creation originated and eternally sustained by the everlasting God, that which matters can be defined as that which lasts - forever.

    "We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (II Corinthians 4:18).

    What will eternally abide?  The Bible plainly addresses this inquiry.  "I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever.  Nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it" (Ecclesiastes 3:14).  Eternal significance must be viewed in the light of our Lord's doings, whether we consider the subject in universal terms, or in the context of our personal lives.  That which matters in us is that which God does in all things, and in ourselves.  

    What is God doing?  In general terms, He works to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, to accomplish His will, and to fulfill His eternal purpose in Christ (Colossians 1:18; Matthew 6:10; Ephesians 3:11).  Personally, He works according to these parameters in countless modes and measures, some of which are known to us, and many of which are not.  His doings may relate to obviously spiritual aspects of life and practice.  Or, they may flow in terms of our everyday lives that on the surface do not appear religiously oriented at all.  Our calling involves devotion to the Christ-centered purposes mentioned, as led and enabled by the Holy Spirit who indwells born again believers in the Lord Jesus.  Knowing that our Heavenly Father's eternal purpose centers in Christ calls us to submit our hearts to the same holy intention.  We set our sail to catch the wind of God's grace and truth that ever conveys us toward the glory of our Savior.  That which matters, that which lasts forever, always coincides with this Christ-centered and empowered journey.  "To live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21).

    The old adage speaks to that which lasts.  "Only one life, t'will soon be past.  Only what's done for Christ will last."  We might even better say, "Only what's done by Christ will last."  That which matters involves that which endures forevermore, or "that which God doeth."  Hereunto we devote our hearts, our minds, our lives, our all as we respond to our Lord's truth, and to the realities that bear eternal significance even as we live this day in the glory, values, and hope of forever…

"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever, Amen."

(I Timothy 1:17)

"And this is the promise that He hath promised unto us, even eternal life."

(I John 2:25)

Weekly Memory Verse

    Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be.  But we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

(I John 3:2)