what lasts

Today we read from Mark 9:30-10:12 in the One Year Bible. Jesus says very clearly, "Everyone will be tested by fire."

There are times in our lives when we're kind of out of control, right? I mean, when things go wrong and we are reacting rather than planning ahead. And if we go through those times and do good, that's great! If we go through those times and mess up... well, that's what forgiveness is for.

But there are other times in our lives when things calm down and we can plan ahead. When we can make long term decisions and plans that involve the future. And when we're making those plans, that's when it's crucial to remember that we will be "tested by fire." Because we don't want to make our long term plans based on things that will burn up in that fire. Money... popularity... power over other people... sexual pleasure... all of those things are fleeting and will burn up in that fire. (The pleasure we experience in having sex with our spouse isn't wrong, and it's a gift from God. But any other sexual pleasure will simply burn up in the fire that purifies us). So when you make your big plans, remember what lasts. Make your long term plans based on things that will survive that fire.

That's just wise investment.

God, thanks for letting us know ahead of time that investing our time and energy in things that matter will make all the difference in the end.