Let’s Value God’s Fame and Fortune
We just completed the 2021 Oscar ceremony. It seems the awards could be merit-based but according to Alissa Wilkinson, who wrote an article in the Feb 21, 2019,Vox magazine entitled, “How To Win An Oscar”, the campaign trail for the Academy Awards is expensive, exhausting, and not really about the movie. She further wrote, “For the past 20 years or so, Hollywood studios and production companies have hired strategists and consultants to run Oscar campaigns, spending millions of dollars to catch the attention of the right voters who could help push their films to victory.” Millions of dollars for a gold-plated statue worth about $400.
We must not forget that the world’s wealth will soon pass away (Proverbs 23:5). The Bible says that we should focus on heavenly treasures that cannot be destroyed or stolen (Matthew 6:19-21). Moreover, the Bible says that the Lord gives wealth without painful toil (Proverbs 10:22). The Lord wants us to know that we have great heavenly rewards that will last eternally (Matthew 5:12a).
How many but the most dedicated movie fan will remember the names of the Best Actor and Actress for more than a few years. This is temporary fame and fortune. But like Abraham in the Bible, we are striving for an eternal kingdom that is not built by human hands and whose street is paved with real gold (Hebrews 11:10, Revelation 21:21). Others may have their names written in the archives of Hollywood history, but we are looking to having our names written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Since only what we do for Christ will last, let us value God’s fame and fortune.
Proverbs 23:5
New International Version
5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle
Matthew 6:19-21
New International Version
25 “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.
Proverbs 10:22
New International Version
22 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.
Matthew 5:12a
New International Version
12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, ….
Hebrews 11:10
New International Version
10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Revelation 21:21
New International Version
21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.
Luke 10:20
New International Version
20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
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