Based on 2 Corinthians 5:12-21 (New King James Version)
“For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
As Christians, should we follow the world's course, our own course, or follow Christ? To be able to reason which is best for us, we should see what we truly gain from each. But first, we must consider the aspect of time, because that is what helps us understand the value of things. Contemplating the benefit of something and "when" it is useful will help us further understand what it is truly worth. Most people, and even most so-called believers, live for the present age, for the here and now. Many believers may deny this fact, but their own lifestyle and even their prayers reflect or consider the present more than the eternal. Furthermore, most believers come to God only to resolve their present problems and needs, and that's the end of it. There is no aim, no feeling, no purpose for the eternal, only for the present. And the Bible says this about it: “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:16-17. The present world, especially ourselves, will only last for a certain amount of time, and this brings us to our next point.
Everything in this life has an expiration date, so to speak, or a certain lifespan, including ourselves. Nothing based on this temporary and passing world will last forever. Money loses its value or changes form. Human power is one thing today and something else tomorrow. Regarding fame, a person can be at the top today and tomorrow become an unknown and insignificant being to everyone. And what can we say about our years here? How long is this life? The Bible says: “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years.” Psalm 90:10a. This is what happens in general, and there are certain exceptions, but it may only be a few more years in some cases. And this is why even our most significant relationships don't last long. By nature, parents almost always pass away first. And there are more circumstances today where children pass before their parents. And in married couples, one always leaves before the other, and sometimes a marriage lasts several years, but other times less. But every marriage sooner or later faces separation.
Having said this, let's now look at this matter. Is it worth it to follow the course of the world, or even our own course? Since we have seen that everything on this earth passes, and that the longest thing that can last is the length of our life, but that all this has an end, can we justify following the will of the world, or even our own will? Does it make sense or logic to put so much focus on a world that is here today and something else tomorrow, and our own lives that keep changing until they come to an end? What do we gain from the world or from doing things our way? We may gain certain benefits, and even enjoy certain things in the present if we fight for them, but how long will they last? And is there anything in this world that assures us eternity? We can conclude that neither this world, nor even doing our own will, has any value or contribution for the future, but only God. And this brings us to the conclusion, which I hope will be your own conclusion as well.
The Apostle Peter made this statement: “But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” John 6:68-69. This is the reality that is truly worthwhile, especially considering the fact that there is an eternity, and that only the Lord is the answer to obtaining that reality. There is nothing in this world that can give us this. And it is impossible for us to obtain it on our own, no matter what we do. Therefore, what is the point of being so focused on the present and dedicating ourselves only to the temporal? And why dedicate ourselves to things that only last for a certain time? The Apostle Paul said the following: “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:7-8. And because of this very thing, he also said this: “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.” Romans 14:7-9. Christ came to change the course of our lives, so that we would no longer focus on the temporal, the fleeting, on what doesn't serve us for eternity. Why? Because none of this helps us for eternity. We can ask God for help with our needs but consider this: The Lord raised Lazarus from the dead, which constitutes the greatest miracle that can be physically performed. But Lazarus is not physically alive today; he died later. So, if even something as great as the physical resurrection doesn't last forever, what's the point of focusing so much on it? And if the physical resurrection is more significant than a job, or a house, or material possessions, etc., then does it make any sense to pay so much attention to these things, and even worse, to seek God only to resolve temporary matters? This is what the Lord said: “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” Luke 9:23-24. If we change course and decide to live for Christ, we will have the most precious thing, something worth more than anything we can imagine. But if we don't decide to change course and continue living to do the will of the world, or our own will, we will lose the present one day, and worse, we will lose the eternal, and there is no other opportunity after that. Today is the opportunity. Tomorrow is uncertain. So, have you changed course in your life to follow Christ, or are you following the course that will only lead you to eternal damnation? Lord bless! John. God bless Israel!