Each Sunday, I try to post a devotional thought for you to meditate on. Sometimes it will be something out of my own studies and prayers. Other times – like today – it will be from another source.
Today, I am posting a great thought from J.C. Ryle about the temporary nature of material things, courtesy of Grace Gems:
(J.C. Ryle, “Eternity!” 1878)
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18
“This world in its present form is passing away.” 1 Corinthians 7:31
“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while–and then vanishes!” James 4:14
We live in a world where all things are temporary and passing away. Surely, a man must be blind, who cannot realize this. Everything around us is decaying, dying, and coming to an end.
We are all going, going, going–whether . . .
eminent or unimportant,
gentle or cruel,
rich or poor,
old or young.
We are all going–and will soon be gone!
The houses we live in,
the homes we love,
the riches we accumulate,
the professions we follow,
the plans we formulate,
the relations we enter into–
they are only for a short time!
Oh, you who love the world–awake to see things in their true light, before it is too late. The things you live for now, are all temporary and passing away! The pleasures, the amusements, the recreations, the profits, the earthly callings, which now absorb all your heart and drink up your entire mind–will soon be over! They are poor fleeting things, which cannot last.
Oh, do not love them too much;
do not hold on to them too tightly;
do not make them your idols!
You cannot keep them–and you must leave them!
This same thought ought to cheer and comfort every true Christian. Your trials, crosses, and conflicts–are all temporary! Your cross will soon be exchanged for a crown!
“What is unseen is eternal.” The world which we are going to, is . . .
an endless eternity,
a sea without a bottom,
and an ocean without a shore!
“And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
