Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Stop this morning and think of all the pleasures in this life. I can name many of them. First of all, kissing my wife. Yep, that's right! There ain't nothing wrong with it either. Second, spending time with my boys, Andrew and Jacob. Watching them grow up into the men of God that they need to be is one of my greatest pleasures. There are also other things about this life that give me pleasure. Like going fishing, riding in a boat or airplane, sitting by the river in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I could honestly go on and on about this life and its pleasures. I'm so thankful for this world. I am thankful for my country in which I live. I wouldn't want to live any other place. I'm thankful for the state of Alabama. We have some of the greatest treasures right here within our state.We have mountains to the north, beaches to the south, and fishing holes to the east and west of us.
But even as I think of all that this world, nation, and state have to offer me it can't compare to Jesus. Listen to me closely on this... Even with all the pleasure that my wife and sons give me in being a part of their lives, it can't fully compare to Jesus. The relationship that I have with my wife is a beautiful example of the love of Jesus. It is a reflection of Christ, but not Him. The relationship with my sons is the image of my Heavenly Father and me, but it's still a picture. All the things that they have done for me and the love that they show me everyday still can't fully compare to Jesus and what He has done for me.
Sure, you and I could live out the rest of our days with fishing on the lake or with family in the mountains and think we have it made in the shade. The truth of it all would still be if the only pleasure, or the only hope that we had was limited to this earth and its pleasures it brings, we would be miserable. To live with family and fun our whole life and to die without hope in Christ would be misery. A misery of eternal Hell where there will be no hope, no pleasure, no peace.
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' name
On Christ the solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand
