Monday, February 10, 2020

Pastor's Ponderings, February 10, 2020

Are You An Oscar Winner?

On Sunday, February 9, 2020, many persons in the movie industry had their most exciting night at the Academy Awards.  Since 1929, how the movie industry sees one at this occasion has defined their careers.  The glitz, the drama, and the pizazz dazzle a worldwide audience.  This spectacle is an awesome display of talent, hard work, and exclusivity.

As inspiring as this ceremony may be, we must ask ourselves if our lives deserve Academy Awards? The Bible says that we must give an account of every word and deed before Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).  On the Day of Judgement, will awards, promotions, praise, statuettes, wonderful outfits, or clever comments be important?  The Bible says that only what you do for Christ will last (1 Corinthians 15:58).  Many during Christ’s day just like the present would rather have the praise of men rather than of God (John 12:42-43).

The Bible says that we must lay up treasure in heaven rather than upon the earth (Matthew 6:19-21).  When a rich man in the Bible decided to build up bigger barns to accommodate his wealth, the Lord told him that he would die that evening and asked him who would get what he had prepared for himself (Luke 12:20, 21). He was not criticized for having things but because he was not rich in his relationship to God.

God wants us to truly enjoy the life that He has given us, and He gives us the means to prosper, but He really wants our hearts turned towards Him rather than to our accomplishments, fame, or fortune. During the Oscar season, when people are focused on fleeting fame, let us look toward pleasing God rather than the ephemeral praise of men. You will receive your award in heaven one day.

2 Corinthians 5:10
New International Version (NIV)
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

1 Corinthians 15:58
New International Version (NIV)
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

John 12:42, 43
New International Version (NIV)
42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 
43 for they loved human praise more than praise from God.

Matthew 6:19-21
New International Version (NIV)
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 
20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
21 
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:20, 21
New International Version (NIV)
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”



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