7/23/21-LIFE IS A TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT

“So no wonder we don’t give up. For even though our outer person gradually wears out, our inner being is renewed every single day. We view our slight, short-lived troubles in the light of eternity. We see our difficulties as the substance that produces for us an eternal, weighty glory far beyond all comparison, because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary” but the unseen realm is eternal.

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:16-18‬ ‭TPT‬‬

It’s quite alright to believe we’re going to live forever. As long as you don’t think it’s going to be here, or that life is lived on our terms. The Bible says this;

“Every human being is appointed to die once, and then to face God’s judgment. But when we die we will be face-to-face with Christ, the One who experienced death once for all to bear the sins of many! And now to those who eagerly await Him, He will appear a second time; not to deal with sin, but to bring us the fullness of salvation.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9:27-28‬ ‭TPT‬‬

This world is not my home, I'm just passing through. The line to a song the old saints used to sing when I was a child. When we live life with that reality, we won’t become too attached to this one. Some folks live like this is it. As though when they return it will be business as usual. But Peter the apostle wrote;

“The day of the Lord will come and take everyone by surprise—as unexpected as a home invasion. The atmosphere will be set on fire and vanish with a horrific roar, and the heavenly bodies will melt away as in a tremendous blaze. The earth and every activity of man will be laid bare. Since all these things are on the verge of being dismantled, don’t you see how vital it is to live a holy life? We must be consumed with godliness while we anticipate and help to speed up the coming of the day of God, when the atmosphere will be set on fire and the heavenly bodies consumed in a blaze. But as we wait, we trust in God’s royal proclamation to be fulfilled. There are coming heavens new in quality, and an earth new in quality, where righteousness will be fully at home.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:10-13‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Enjoy the blessings of the Lord while here on earth, but don’t get too attached. Everything will be dissolved. We’ve gotten away from being heavenly minded, because of the slogan of being no earthly good. But there’s a balance to that statement. Whilst we are waiting for the transitioning to our heavenly home, we are to occupy ourselves with the spreading of the gospel, caring for those in need, protecting the innocent who have no voice and spreading the unconditional love of Jesus to everyone. Whether they’re receptive or not. Understanding what we’ve just read should change our perspective of life on earth. We set our eyes on things above, on what has lasting and eternal value, and not on what will pass away and is temporary.

That’s why the scriptures caution those who are rich in this world’s wealth;

“Isn’t it true that our hands were empty when we came into the world, and when we leave this world our hands will be empty again? To all the rich of this world, I command you not to be wrapped in thoughts of pride over your prosperity, or rely on your wealth, for your riches are unreliable and nothing compared to the living God. Trust instead in the one who lavishes upon us all good things, fulfilling our every need. Remind the wealthy to be rich in remarkable works of extravagant generosity, willing to share with others. These spiritual investments will provide a beautiful foundation for their lives and secure for them a great future, as they lay their hands upon the meaning of true life.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:7, 17-19‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Don’t become distracted by things, instead, focus on what has eternal worth. Plan more for your exit than for the current amenities given only to meet temporary satisfaction here on earth. Paul said it well. We came with empty hands. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the casket is, we’re still leaving empty handed. Most folks make grandiose plans for a temporary existence rather than planning for eternity. There’s only one thing that has eternal value and that’s the soul of man. The blessings of the Lord are wonderful. He enjoys blessing His children. But the blessings must never impede our vision of that which is weighty. We should daily live like we’re dying. Like today is our departure date. Of a truth we have no idea when that time is. We should live life on purpose. Busy doing what we have been called to do. Making the most of every opportunity, walking through every open door, being a witness for Jesus Christ.

These aren’t the days to be silent and complacent. We must exhibit robust faith and confidence in the Word of God. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the days and years are shorter. Seasons are changing and it has nothing to do with climate change. The Bible speaks of all the activities that will be taking place in these last days. See Matthew 24 and 2 Thessalonians 2. We’re instructed on how we should respond. For those who have not invested everything in a world that will dissolve, we have a living hope. For those who are working at preserving their lives here, and amassing as much wealth as possible, there’s going to be a big disappointment. This isn’t it y’all. This is a rehearsal room for believers. This is where we let our lights shine for Jesus. We live a life of doing His will daily. This world doesn’t and shouldn’t control us. It shouldn’t influence our day to day lives. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit is our go to. We demonstrate to the world how to live prepared for the coming of the Lord.

Since we know and believe that this life and world is temporary, what adjustments are we making to accommodate for our departure. We should never forget for one moment why we’re here. If Jesus doesn’t tarry we may not all experience death, but will you be ready to go with Him? Or will He find you ill prepared like the five foolish virgins in Matthew 25? Life is a temporary assignment, your years may be one hundred twenty or forty five, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you complete your assignment with excellence. That you can hear Him say well done good and faithful servant. Avoid distracting arguments and controversies about religion. Stay true to the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. No compromise. Stand up and speak up for what you know is biblically sound. The coming of the Lord is at hand.

““And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:25-28, 34-36‬ ‭NLT‬‬

May our testimony at the end of our days be as the apostle Paul’s . He lived a surrendered life, always prepared to go. And so should we be.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:7-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Written by permission of the Holy Spirit

W. Tennant

July 23, 2021