You don’t need to be a genius to realize that the world is a mess.
I’m not a genius. I know that the world is a mess.
Last week, we witnessed the ISIS terrorist attack on Paris. Innocent lives slain. Families torn to pieces. Countless injuries.
And things like this leave us all saying, what if that was me? What if I went on vacation in Paris and never came back? What then?
It’s kind of scary. To think that anyone of us could be having the best day of our lives but then wind up in a hospital room, devoid of functioning limbs. Or in a funeral home, lying in a casket ready to be buried in the ground.
What then?
Tragedy is known so well to this world. There is no escape from the inevitable: death. Hurt. Pain. Loss.
For so many of us, we soak up reality and embrace insecurity. Kids, don’t forget to wear your SPF 1567 sunblock, hockey helmet, and bulletproof bathing suit. You wouldn’t want the chance of death on a beautiful summer day, now would you.
Hey, the apocalypse might come in a few months. EVERYONE, QUICK, BUY CANNED FOOD AND LOTS OF BUBBLE-WRAP WITH EXTRA INSULATED SWEATERS.
As much as this is ridiculously satirical, it’s how so much of us think – just on a smaller scale.
What if I go out to school one day and never come home?
What if I walk to work next week and wind up in a wheelchair?
What if I go to the gym tomorrow and end up dead?
And how can I prevent that?
I get it. Life isn’t safe. Every time we take a breath, we run the risk of it being our last. It’s the curse of life, and there is no reverse. Take a look at the news (or, don’t) and see all the destruction.
This world is messed up. Security is just about impossible.
But you want to know what?
My lack of security in my own life leads me to one of two things. Either I can roll around in freakoutishness (don’t argue, that’s totally a word) and fear, or I can put my hope in security that is greater than any threat to my human life.
Listen to what Jesus says here.
Luke 12:4
“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.”
Our lives are but a blip on the face of eternity. If death is inevitable, eternity is even more inevitable. When this blip of life ends – and trust me, it will – we need assurance of real security.
This security comes from the Gospel. I wrote about it recently here, read it if you haven’t already.
With the forgiveness of our sins by Jesus’ sacrifice, we are given ETERNAL LIFE.
Also, read this one where I talk about our choice of eternity.
Life is super scary, I know! But we don’t need to be afraid.
Knowing that I’m not “safe” in this life doesn’t increase my paranoia. It challenges me to remember that worrying doesn’t fix things. It reminds me that my life is in God’s hands, and His plan is always best, even if I can’t see it. It hammers into me that eternity is honestly all that ultimately matters.
Significance and security go hand in hand. (Read this post here about that.)
The world is a mess, but this is only our temporary home.
We shouldn’t dwell on the insecurity of our lives, but the security of heaven when we trust in Jesus to forgive our sins.
So don’t be consumed with fear. It’s not worth it when our lives prove to be so short. But focus on what’s really important – eternity.
Where will you be in 100 years?
*aj
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