Coming And Going!

There is an interesting question often asked when the wealthy die. "How much did they leave behind?" This question was reportedly asked after the passing of John D. Rockefeller; one of histories wealthiest men (1839-1937). The response of his accountant was, "All of it." Do we live in a manner that reveals we understand that reality?

Job had the right focus with regard to the "stuff" of life. Though he had no clue regarding the involvement of Satan, his initial response to his great loss was. . .

"(20) Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. (21) And he said, 'NAKED I CAME from my mother's womb, and NAKED SHALL I RETURN. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed by the name of the LORD.' (22) In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong." ( Job 1:20-22 ESV)

Solomon noted the same thing as he addressed life lived "under the sun" ( Ecclesiastes 5:13); life lived generally in this realm without any real cognizance of God. We read. . .

"(15) AS HE CAME FROM HIS MOTHER'S WOMB HE SHALL GO AGAIN, naked as he came, and SHALL TAKE NOTHING for his toil that he may carry away in his hand." ( Ecclesiastes 5:15 ESV)

As some people at times in there life don't know whether they are coming or going because there doesn't seem to be much difference, this is actually the picture of our coming into and going out of this realm. As we came in, so shall we leave; empty handed as far as this world's possessions. Though it may not be liked, it is the reality that can place the heaping up of wealth under the heading of vanity. (note also Ecclesiastes 2:21) Some people make sure what they leave behind benefits needy individuals or programs after their passing. Others dread having to leave it to those who did not work for it ( Ecclesiastes 2:21), worry about how it will be used ( Ecclesiastes 2:19), or struggle with the thought of it going to those they may not even know. ( Psalm 39:6)

We need to remain mindful of how attached we become to the "stuff" of life. How much do we really own it? It only relates to the here and now. Some have developed such a craving for wealth they "have wandered away from the faith." ( 1 Timothy 6:10 ESV) May we not allow our possessions to own us so as to cause us to lose out on what is of eternal significance.

Have a great day RETAINING A PROPER PERSPECTIVE RELATIVE TO THE TEMPORARY THINGS OF LIFE.
Carl

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