Life is full of choices. For the Christian his choices are often very different from those that the world at large makes. For example, Christians are much more prone to focus on future rewards rather than present results. (Colossians 3:2) tells us to: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” We often makes our decisions with heaven in mind and are willing to sacrifice the benefits of enjoying the present for the awesome future rewards we can accrue now in heaven.
Have you ever thought that true faith in God requires this desire to place future rewards above present results. Faith in Jesus may not see all of God’s promises delivered to us right away – and some not even in this lifetime – but we know that if we are faithful and obedient to His will we can bank on His promises.
Another area where Christians differ from the world is that they are more concerned with God’s approval rather than their own comfort. Now don’t get me wrong we all want to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle but this often isn’t possible if we want to burn out for Jesus. And we all want the approval of men but again this can often come at the expense of not having God’s approval. Faith is far more concerned with living our lives for an audience of One – Jesus Christ! And in the end isn’t it only what God thinks of you that really matters.
Faithfulness and obedience to God comes about when we are convinced that God will reward us – if not immediately then ultimately. And I like the idea that we are living for an audience of One because I know that my God is truly concerned with me and loves me unconditionally. Jesus is more concerned with building my character than my comfort. He is more concerned with preparing a future home for me in heaven than giving me the creature comforts down here on planet earth. And He is more concerned with my joy than my happiness.
And one more thing about God’s approval over man’s approval. The approval of man is so fickle. He can give you his approval one day and sadly slander your character the next day. God’s approval, however, is given to us based on our obedience to His Word and that is something I strive to do every day and know when I do get His approval, true joy will always flood my soul. Circumstances are often not in our control but our reaction to them is. And the more we live with an eternal focus the more we will seek to bring glory to Jesus and allow the joy of the Lord to bless us continually. So, stay close to Jesus – He will never let you down!
Amen