Sustainable Future!

“Sustainable” is a word thrown around in many circles of life today. There are organizations that focus on housing for a “sustainable future.” The timber industry refers to resource management for a “sustainable future.” Power companies have done the same. We also have references to sustainable agriculture. What is meant by “sustainable”? It generally refers to the ability to maintain something, often being used with regard to maintaining ecological balance in this world. Recently I saw a food service van with the slogan, “Food Services For A Sustainable Future!” However, how sustainable is it all? Though we should be mindful of the wise use of this world’s resources, is that truly the key to a “sustainable future”?

“Food Services For A Sustainable Future!” There is no question we need food -- especially nutritious food -- to sustain good health. Nevertheless, when the devil tried to get Jesus to focus on feeding the physical hunger, our Lord responded as follows:

“But he answered, ‘It is written, MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.’’” ( Matthew 4:4 ESV)

We need food, but sustaining physical health is really of no consequence if we fail to focus on our spiritual health as well. The physical needs only relate to this life and may sustain us for a lifetime, but nothing more.

Later on during our Lord’s ministry He encouraged. . .
“Truly, truly, I say to you, WHOEVER HEARS MY WORD AND BELIEVES HIM WHO SENT ME HAS ETERNAL LIFE. He does not come into judgment, but HAS PASSED FROM DEATH TO LIFE.” ( John 5:24 ESV)

Not just life for now, but ETERNAL LIFE! There is more to focus on than merely this present realm. It is that which relates to the ETERNAL “sustainable future” we must never neglect.

In the previous chapter of John, on an occasion when Jesus’ disciples returned with food they had gotten while He had been talking to the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus told them He had food to eat of which they did not know. ( John 4:32) This caused them to wonder if someone had already brought Him something to eat. ( John 4:33) Then we read. . .

“Jesus said to them, ‘MY FOOD IS TO DO THE WILL OF HIM WHO SENT ME AND TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WORK.’” ( John 4:34)

For some, their existence may boil down to working to eat and eating to work. However, when it comes to being involved in fulfilling the works of God, we will find that in itself can provide some sustaining power with regard to our spiritual health.

Therefore, there is the full diet we need; the nutritional food for the soul that truly provides for an ETERNAL “sustainable future”. The slogan mentioned above made use of the words “FOOD” and “SERVICES” in relation to a “sustainable future”, but in a spiritual sense that is the key to a SUSTAINABLE ETERNITY! May our life be properly sustained through the TAKING IN OF THE WORD and the “FOOD” OF SERVING in accordance with THE WILL of God. Therein we can truly find satisfaction.

Have a great day MAINTAINING A SPIRITUALLY NOURISHED LIFE!
Carl

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