JESUS SPEAKING
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6: 19 – 21)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Jesus urges every follower to remain focused on the virtues that are eternal, rather than indulging in the momentary enjoyment of some passing pleasure. We are told in 1 Peter 5: 8, to “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” One of Satan’s most efficient tactics is to create blindness. He elevates the allure of a present desire, while simultaneously concealing the long-term, or eternal consequences that will eventually arise as a result of engaging in some sinful activity.
Adultery is one of the most serious sins an individual can commit. Infidelity destroys families and devestates entire households. We read in proverbs 9: 13 – 18, “A foolish woman is clamorous; she is simple, and knows nothing. For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat by the highest places of the city, to call to those who pass by, who go straight on their way: ‘Whoever is simple, let him turn in here’; and as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, “stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.’ But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell.” This woman’s plan was to corrupt those who were innocent; to blind human beings by emphasizing the enjoyment of immediate gratification; adultery may appeal to the flesh but it is destructive to the Spirit. Those who are deceived will act without contemplating their future torment. They can’t comprehend the ugliness of an eventual divorce; they can’t envision the trauma their children will endure, or the loneliness of partial custody. Like brute beasts they can see only what is right in front of their face, and no more.
As long as mankind walks upon this Earth, Satan will continue his campaign of temptation; presenting us with momentary pleasures devoid of eventual consequence. How then can we resist the trickery he employs to corrupt and defile those who love Jesus Christ? Simply put, we must emphasize and remain focused upon eternal virtues; things such as fidelity, selflessness, honesty, respect, charity, and kindness. The light of God’s eternal kingdom illuminates the devil’s lies and creates a genuine vision of those things which the Lord values.
“Dear Heavenly Father, may we avoid distraction and remain focused on our eternal destination with You in Your Kingdom. Protect us from sinful temptations that could arise and cause us to suffer. May we see the end from the beginning. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit Lord, that we might preach the gospel with boldness. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You. And we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 