Linda and I visited a church of Christ in Weeki Watchee yesterday. I was amazed at the number of people who were afflicted by some form of cancer. The minister actually referred to it as an "epidemic"! While only about 15 or so people were mentioned, keep in mind that the congregation is only about 40 in size.
Life is short and every day is a blessing. Sooner or later, though, this life will be over and we all will have to answer for what we have done. Why do we do what we do in this life? And, who do we put our trust in to give us guidance to live correctly?
Is it Jesus or just my own whims?
Matthew, Chapter 7 (World English Bible)
24 “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. (emphasis added) 25 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”
And, because of the "Therefore" in verse 24
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. 16 By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. 21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ 23 Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’
Many people think they lead a "good" life and therefore hope to enter heaven. Not so. Those who hear what Jesus say and actually obey his word are the ones who will make it there. Just doing "good" isn't enough, you have to obey.
After all, since Jesus is the one who paid your "entry fee" for heaven, doesn't it make sense to do what he says to do?
Something to think about on a Monday afternoon...