THE VERSE
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Hebrews 11:10
THE THOUGHT
The unwasted life is the life that puts Christ on display as supremely valuable. So how did Abraham not waste his life? By treasuring the promise of heaven as more valuable than all the comfort and familiarity of the home he left behind. Hebrews 11 says that the reason Abraham left his family, friends, and home in Ur to follow God was because “he was looking forward to the city with foundations”- His reward waiting for him in heaven.
To glorify God and thereby not waste our lives, it is essential that we get our priorities straight. To quote John Piper (again): “Quit being satisfied with little 2-percent yields of pleasure that get eaten up by the moths of inflation and the rust of death. Invest in the blue-chip, high-yield, divinely insured securities of heaven. Giving your life to material comforts and thrills is like throwing money down a rat hole. But a life invested in the labor of love yields dividends of joy unsurpassed and unending- even if it costs you your property and your life on this earth.”
Stop living for the temporary treasures, and pour your life into the pursuit of the highest treasure in the universe: a God-exalting fellowship with the living Christ.
THE PRAYER
Jesus Christ, Be exalted in my life. Give me a passion for Your glory, and call me away from the fleeting pleasures of this world to the eternal satisfaction of knowing You.
EXTENDED READING
Matthew 6:19-21
Hebrews 11:8-16
Hebrews 1:1-3
THE QUOTE
“Only he who is helpless can truly pray.” ~Ole Hallesby
This post is written by Brendan Beale, author of Cross Connections