Friday, May 12, 2006

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. (NLT Ephesians 3:20)

I remember the story of Tom Sawyer when he was whitewashing the fence. He made it seem like so much fun, all his friends wanted a turn. His attitude made them want to take on the job of painting that fence. What a marketer Tom was. Currently he would be the head of a large advertising firm.

Back in 1984, the Karate Kid was a popular movie. If you recall, the master, Mr. Miyagi, had the kid doing all sorts of household chores including waxing his car. Who can forget the famous “wax on; wax off” instructions? By obeying, the kid built his muscles and practiced blocking techniques without knowing it. After all the work, a.k.a. training, was completed, he had learned many karate moves.

It is not about what we get to accomplish in this life; it is about what we go through to reach the accomplishment. It is in the struggle, in the work, that we learn and grow. This is where we build our strength.

As we struggle in our day-to-day walk and allow the Holy Spirit to lead, we grow. He has His own “wax on; wax off” exercises for us to work on. By his mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.
REAL LIFE
Then he said, "Beware! Don't be greedy for what you don't have. Real life is not measured by how much we own." (NLT Luke 12:15)

Before my relationship with Christ, I used to like the bumper sticker that reads “He who dies with the most toys wins.” Those who know me realize I have a number of gadgets. We have always had cell phones, computers, VCR’s, and DVD players. That has not changed; the need to go out and get the next best gadget has gone.

It is no longer a contest with friends to see who has the latest and greatest gadget. It no longer matters if they have a bigger television set, have digital cable with a DVR, or have the latest 12 megapixel digital camera. What we accumulate in stuff here on earth does not matter.

Real life is elsewhere. It is a life after this earthly existence is over. It is life after death. Real life is only available for those who believe, for those who are born again. It is not an exclusive club. The door is open to all. Entry is limited only by ones willingness to believe in faith, that Jesus is the way, our Lord and Savior.