Christians, recently I had the honor and privilege to help my elderly grandparents move. [Side note: whenever we do things in life, it often provides opportunities for reflection and recall of what is important and how things have impacted us.] As I helped them move, I searched my heart, mind, and soul about my experiences that I had with them and what I would take away from my time with them. I realized that no earthly possession or physical experience defined my relationship with my grandparents, rather it was their desire to spend time with me. Our relationship would be defined by the things they did FOR and WITH me as they were moving on.
It is the same with God. Too often we are wanting God to provide THINGS for us, to bless us with possessions and positions in this world. What we will take into eternity with us is the realization of our relationship with God, what He did FOR and WITH us. God desired spending time with us so much, that He gave that which was most dear, His Son, so that we could be brought back into relationship with Him. That is what God did FOR us. God then walks through life WITH us, taking us through tests and trials, triumphs and tragedies, easy times and hard times. Too often we overlook the power of our relationship with Him and the impact it has on everything we do.
As I sit and really distill what made my trips to my grandparents special, I have to first examine how they affected me. My grandparents were always coming to get us. During the school year, I remember telling my friend, I could not play this Friday after school because my grandparents were coming to get me, I was excited! They picked me up right after school and took me for the whole weekend. During the summer it was even better, I could go for a whole week. My time there was simple: watching cartoons, eating my grandma’s cooking, shooting the BB gun, walking around the neighborhood, swimming at the nature park, working in the wood shop, playing cards…These were great times and they really emphasized a single point in my life: I was wanted and loved.
As I was helping them move a few days ago, my grandparents expressed numerous times how grateful they are for my help. To me it was my privilege, they have done so much for me over the years, helping them when they need it was the least I can do. Needless to say I desire to do so much more for them. It is the same with God. When I realize what He has done for me, that He makes me feel wanted and loved, there is nothing I would not do for Him, it is my honor and privilege to serve Him, to serve others. You reap what you sow, later than you sow, and more than you sow. A simple Biblical truth that I believe my grandparents were feeling while I helped them. Love, kindness, care, service. My grandparents are wanted and loved.
My time is not over with them, although they moved, there are still opportunities for more memories with their great grandchildren. The end of our lives are not the end either, when we move on into eternity, we will be living WITH and FOR God FOREVER. If we receive God’s love through Jesus when we admit we need it the most in this life, we can set our eyes on what truly matters and look past the temporary things here and now. We can truly gain perspective into what we should be seeking. I pray that as you look back at the people who have made you feel wanted and loved, you can think how God makes you feel the same. That His desire is greater than any love you have felt from people. Then take that love and use it as fuel to serve and love like Jesus did, now and forever. Thank you Father for your desire and sacrifice to redeem and bring us back to you. We pray for strength and vision to keep our eyes on the prize, YOU! We love you God and we ask for a heart like yours to love and serve and show people your character while we are here, and an eternal vision to prepare us for when we are with you face to face, in Jesus Name, Amen.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 NASB
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 (NIV)
As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment. [Charge them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share [with others], In this way laying up for themselves [the riches that endure forever as] a good foundation for the future, so that they may grasp that which is life indeed. I Timothy 6:17-19 (AMP)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 (NIV)
written and posted by Daniel Poggensee | 2018
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