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The Uncertainties Of Life
Just yesterday I learned that my brother, whom most of you know has battled lymphoma since last summer, has had a lump in his neck return since completing chemo. He also told me that my niece, his daughter, has a large mass in her neck and three nodules on her thyroid. The day before that we learned that Andrew and Jill’s adoption had fallen through (the mother changed her mind). The day before that Lauren’s office closed due to the coronavirus.
Of course, we are all dealing with pandemic fallout: a cratered economy; altered worship schedules; closed schools and businesses; empty store shelves; telecommuting; people wearing masks. Welcome to Weirdsville.
What is going on? Actually, nothing out of the ordinary. We live in a world of uncertainty, instability, illness and decay. The moments of peace and prosperity create an illusion that we are self-sufficient, in control and that earthly life is the be-all and end-all. When we get too comfortable with this world we begin to believe that we owe it our trust and allegiance, that it holds our true happiness and well-being, that we must find harmony with it in order to be truly happy. This is nothing but smoke and mirrors.
In the midst of our crisis, the words of Jesus become clearer to us: “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” (Matt. 6:19-21). While our 401(k)s have all taken a severe hit, let us be reminded of where our true treasure lies.
While life on earth is uncertain – who could have foreseen our current status just a month or two ago? We can rest assured that every thought, word and act done for the Lord’s sake is noted by Him and safely invested in our heavenly, eternal account. Let us be reminded how futile it is to seek for assurance in an uncertain world.
