Shadow World vs. Eternal Heaven
What importance do the material things of this world have when viewed in perspective of heaven? For me, most of the things that I have have no importance whatsoever when I think about eternally praising God and being perfectly happy. These things are just a part of the shadow world, and yes, they bring me momentary joy, but what about forever? This just really struck me the last month or so. I've been really convicted of my focus on the material things I own. God has begun to work in my heart towards this issue.
For example, I no longer am concerned if I miss a day or two of being on the computer.
But I had a great talk with Mr. Bartosch a few Sundays ago, and the subject came up of not just removing sins/hindrances, but filling in their spots with good things. I have been removing things that distract me from living for God and not myself, but I have not been replacing them with things that encourage and grow me in God. That's what I really struggle with: replacing my distractions with good things. And when I don't fill in the spot where I remove a sin, either it will come back or another will appear.
So this is what I've been mulling over in my brain, and I've made some progress in addressing some hindrances in my life. So I'm open to instruction or questions, since I'm still thinking this over. I know that I haven't posted for a month or two, hopefully I'll spike up my posting a lot more as summer draws near. I can always hope. . . =)
posted by David Miles @ 4:16 PM
2 Comments
2 Comments:
Great thoughts David. I always recommend trying to do something productive to try and fill time you are not wanting to waste with distractions. I rarely run out of things to do around the house, but maybe you could spend some time thinking of ways to serve your parents by doing extra projects. Washing windows, dusting, moving furniture and vacuuming in neglected areas. =) A cool thing my mother-in-law does is pray for people while she is doing a chore that relates to them. So as an example, if you are cleaning the bathroom and you pick up Molly's toothbrush to put it away you could use that toothbrush as a reminder to pray for her. I like doing things like that and try to use it as inspiration to make good use of my time for productivity as well as prayer!
That's a great idea! Doing extra projects is something I already try to do, but what your mother-in-law does is a great way for me to remind myself to keep my mind on higher things while I'm doing my chores. If I understand what you're saying, even if I heard an ambulance go by, I could take a moment and pray for the people in need and those who are supplying that need. I'll try to implement that into my chores and whatnot. Thanks for taking the time to share what you think! =)
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