Larry Shatzer, who is one of the finest Bible teachers I have ever known, likes to say something like this sign. If I remember correctly, he says: "It is no fool, who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose". And Larry says it again and again and keeps on saying it. I never have asked him, but my guess is that it is all about priorities. Jesus puts it this way...
Matthew, Chapter 16 (NASB)
Mat 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
Mat 16:25 "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Mat 16:26 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Life is a struggle; we work all our lives to survive and "succeed". If we do manage to become a "success", then what? Often, we find that "success" is really not success, but an illusion. Money, possessions, power, and fame are transitory; they all dissolve at our demise. Remember these words from John...???
1 John, Chapter 2 (NASB)
1Jn 2:15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
1Jn 2:17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
1Jn 2:17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
One more thing- and forever is a very, very long time!!! Choose wisely!!!