What s most important in life?
By LYNDON DECKER
Pastor, First Southern Baptist Church
Recently when reading in the Gospel of Luke I was made keenly aware again of what Christ teaches as to what is most important in life. In chapter 10 of Luke, Christ sent out 70 individuals, two by two, to minister to the needs of the people. He had given some specific instructions for the endeavor and sent them on their way.
After a time of ministry they reported back to Christ to give an account of their activity. The passage does not give specifics as to what they accomplished but apparently they were quite successful. They had seen some tremendous things happen and they exercised great power. There were evidences that Satan's power had been defeated by their ministry. They were glorying in what they did and celebrating their accomplishments. In verse 20 of this chapter Christ reminds them that great feats in ministry is not what is most important in life. He told them that they needed to rejoice in that their names were written down in heaven.
What a solemn reminder this is for us today. We can get so wrapped up in doing good works, planning and executing great programs, being active and faithful in the church, and forget where our focus should be. It is easy to rejoice and celebrate in our doings and forget the greatest event in our lives, that being brought into God's family. Is your greatest joy in knowing you are recorded in heaven? If not then maybe there is need for some re-evaluation of our priorities. If you have not become one of God's children accept Him today so that you too will have something to rejoice in.
