ENJOY THE JOURNEY

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who GIVETH US RICHLY ALL THINGS TO ENJOY – 1 Timothy 6:17

Life on earth is but a temporal affair. As “strangers and pilgrims” we must “abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1Pet.2:11). Heaven – our Father’s Home – is the ultimate destination of every child of God. We must never downplay the anticipation we should have for heaven. This however does not mean that we should live as hermits and be useless to our world. While on this side of eternity, our heavenly Father wants us to ENJOY with gratitude the good things He has provided for us in this world. God “gives us richly all things to ENJOY” (1Tim.6:17).

We should long for the indescribable blessings of our eternal home where there will be no more heartache, sickness, pain, and tears! Yet, as Christians, we certainly must not disregard the daily mercies and rich bounties our Father bestows on us. The goodness of the Lord is shown to all mankind in “rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17b). In many ways God does not discriminate; everyone, even non-Christians, are blessed with some of His goodness. Essentially, God is good to all people in some ways and to some people in all ways!

While heaven awaits us, God wants us to be glad, rejoice, and enjoy His goodness as we journey homeward. Your present life is not meant to be a tortuous track to eternity, but a “royal route” to heaven. The note of caution is that: none of these blessings and benefits must ever be allowed to become your “idol” or be regarded as the source or channel of your Joy. None of these should ever compete with your love for God and pursuit of His Kingdom (Matt.6:33). Your Joy is in the Giver, not in His gifts. Your Joy is primarily an inner virtue flowing from your redemptive relationship with God, through Christ.

May you never have cause to injure your eternity with matters of time! The Holy Spirit will teach and guide you on how to use “this world’s goods” without abusing them (1Jh.3:17). He’ll help you to be a good and faithful steward of your time, talents, trainings, treasures, and relationships. You can possess and enjoy all of these blessings without being possessed by them. You can use and enjoy “all things” for His glory and praise! Remember: The destination is paramount, but the Father wants you to ENJOY the JOURNEY!