Thirsty Thursdays: Trying To Make It To Heaven...

-->

As believers we all fall short of perfection, we were born into sin and mess up from time to time. The only perfect being was Jesus, but don’t get down on yourself.  Although we aren’t perfect, we should continue to strive to be more Christ like each and every day. We have different vices and faults, but share the common goal in wanting to have eternal life in Heaven. Thankfully we serve a gracious and merciful God who despite our faults, loves us and forgives our sins.

People often question what it takes to go to Heaven. Throughout the bible there are different references to Heaven and how to inherit eternal life. Most commonly known are the Ten Commandments, you know “thou shall not steal, thou shall not commit adultery” etc. Following the Ten Commandments alone isn’t necessarily all it takes to inherit the kingdom of God.  In Luke chapter 18 we read about a rich ruler who asked Jesus what does it take to inherit eternal life. He obeyed the Ten Commandments so in his mind he was set. Unfortunately, he was mistaken. Jesus revealed to him that there was more, “When Jesus heard this, he said to him, you still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” LUKE 18:22. After hearing this the man became sad, he didn’t want to give up all his riches.

It can be hard to give up our material possessions, especially if we feel as if we worked extremely hard to obtain them. We must PUT GOD FIRST, we cannot have anything above him, there shouldn't be anything we wouldn’t do for him. Like we read a few days ago on Merciful Mondays (s/o to Jael) we can't serve two things, can't serve God and money. “…HOW HARD IT IS FOR THE RICH TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD 25 INDEED IT IS EASIER For A CAMEL TO GO THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE THAN FOR SOMEONE WHO IS RICH TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD” LUKE 18:24-25 Now this isn’t quite saying don’t be a financially successful person and make a lot of money, have nice things, cars, homes etc. As Gods children we are blessed and an abundance of finances is just one of many possible blessings bestowed upon us (i.e. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob). But we shouldn’t put money, making money, or any material possession above serving God, building up his kingdom and doing his will. Prioritize and realize that first comes God, all else comes later. "But seek ye first, the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33

Give it all to God, don’t hold back. “For whosoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” Luke 9:24-25

STAY THIRSTY MY FRIENDS

Thirsty Thursdays: Ron