Something Better
Theme of the week: A Matter of Life and Death
Friday, March 1, 2013
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:14) Dig Deeper: Philippians 3:1-14
In his essay The Weight of Glory, C. S. Lewis said that almost all of our modern philosophies are aimed at convincing us that our chief good is to be found in this life. All this consumer society holds dear would convince us of the same thing. But the gospel of Christ insists that we were made for much more and far better than this present world can offer.
The Cathedral of Milan has three doorways, each spanned by a magnificent arch. Inscribed over the arch on one side is, "All that pleases us is but for a moment." Carved underneath is a beautiful wreath of roses. Inscribed over the arch on the opposite side is, "All that which troubles us is but for a moment." Carved beneath is a cross. The inscription over the arch in the central doorway is, "That only is important which is eternal." The two side arches are about mere moments in time, the central arch is about eternity. But all three touch on the themes of the gospel message: God alone is eternal, he alone is permanent, he is our only home. Everything else is momentary, ephemeral, passing away. But oh! What glories there are inside the sanctuary, in the holy place!
—Ben Patterson in Muscular Faith
My Response: How should reflecting on the glories awaiting me in heaven help me gain perspective about both temporary pleasures and the troubles of this world?
Thought to Apply: In the last analysis it is our conception of death which decides our answers to all the questions life puts to us.—Dag Hammarskjold (Swedish statesman)
Adapted from Muscular Faith (Tyndale, 2011) by permission. All rights reserved by the copyright holder and/or the publisher. May not be reproduced.
Copyright © 2013 by Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Dear heavenly Father, help me to keep focused on what really matters—on what will last long after my life on earth is finished.
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