"When
it's all Said and Done
One of the neat parts of
email is that people of varying types with different backgrounds are
brought into conversation with each other - types that we might not
have had the opportunity to "meet" before. Unfortunately - most of us
are in physical
fellowship with folks very similar to ourselves - culturally,
financially, etc. Here online we are on common ground - not knowing or
caring
whose name is on our tennis shoes, what kind of car we drive or if all
our plates match :)
In each of our lives, we each have different goals - different
desires - different struggles. Some of us are on top of the world
financially while others work several jobs just to put food on the
table. Some are very secure in marriages, others not so secure - others
are single. Some of us are passionate and loud, others are quiet and
steady. However, in ALL these differences, and in ALL the different
temptations that come with each of our lifestyles - there is one common
goal that we must keep before us at all times. When it's all said and
done - did we honor him, remember him - give to him - in all those
circumstances? As we look back on our lives and as we look forward to
the end that's quickly approaching for us all - can we honestly say
that we looked to Him through it all? Sometimes it's so easy to let go
of the purpose for it all. This modern world does a good job of keeping
our focus UNfocused. A book I'm reading right now illustrates it so
well:
"The body depends on the eyes for light. Now if your eyes are in focus,
then the body will have clear light. But if your eyes are not in focus
then your whole body will be in confused darkness.
"Your sense of values is to the soul what the eye is to the body. It
enables you to see things in their proper perspective. It enables you
to get your bearings and sense of direction. But the eye must be in
focus. If both eyes are fastened on a single objective, then you are
seeing clearly - you are not confused. But if your eye is out of focus
from attempting to look at more than one object at a time, your "light"
will be darkness; you will see nothing clearly.
So Jesus is saying that to try to regulate your life by both standards
of measurement is like someone who tries to look at two things at once
and sees neither. You will be utterly confused. You must focus your
life upon one way or the other. You must choose whether you are going
to look upon things through the eyes of Christ or the eyes of the world.
Sermon
on the Mount by Clarence Jordan
When it's all said and done...
When it's all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters..
Did I do my best to live for truth,
Did I live my life for You.
When it's all been said and done
All my treasures will mean nothing
Only what I've done for love's reward will stand the test of time
Lord your mercy is so great
That You look beyond our weakness...
And find purest gold in mirey clay
Making sinners into saints.
I will always sing your praise
Here on earth and ever after
For You've shown me Heaven's my true home
When it's all been said and done
You're my life when life is gone.
..
Lord I'll live my life for you.
Robin Mark