Dennis Huebshman
There’s a story about a Christian couple who were returning to the United States after a number of years. They had spent more than 20 years overseas in the mission field. When their ship pulled up to the New York dock, a band was on the pier. The announcement came over the ship’s speakers that everyone should stand by while some “dignitaries” left the ship. A well-known political person left the ship and was escorted down the pier by the band and a group of fans. Then everyone else was allowed to leave the ship. The missionary husband mentioned to his wife that it would have been nice if they were greeted by a band and well-wishers after being away for so long. His wife simply smiled and said, “We’re not Home yet, Dear.” (any emphasis mine)
So many people today are spending their entire lives trying to gain whatever this world has to offer. The only issue with this is, it’s all just temporary. Our absolute nemesis, Satan, is a master at convincing people to believe that all their energy and efforts need to be dedicated to whatever status and pleasures they can find here. Sadly, it will never be enough. When John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) was asked how much money would be enough for the billionaire, his answer was, “One dollar more than I have right now.”
Without being judgmental of Mr. Rockefeller, when he took his last breath on this earth, how much of his fortune was he able to take with him? This same statement can be made for every living soul on this earth. Personally, there is nothing on this earth that I want to come between my Lord and myself.
Every day, I thank the Father for always having supplied my needs. In my younger pre-saved days, there were numerous “greeds” that I desired to have; and today, I am pleased that I was not granted every one of them.
There is a saying that goes along with this. I’ve never seen a U-Haul at a funeral. Our Savior told us that God is aware of all our needs. Matthew 6:7-8; “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” Then Matthew 6:32-33; “For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Once a person develops a relationship with the Savior, and when we come to realize just what He “bought” for us with His precious blood at Calvary, nothing on this earth could ever compare to our gift. Our social status does not impress the Father. Once we have truly received and accepted His Son, we will be granted a forever home in Heaven with all the saints of all time.
Please understand, I am not condemning anyone for what they may have. Only if their possessions control their spiritual lives does it become a real problem. Jesus knew this well, as given in Matthew 19:24; “Again, I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God.” He did not say “impossible,” but extremely difficult.
Our Salvation cannot be bought at any price, and we could never do enough “good deeds” to earn it. Ephesians 2:8-9 is a favorite illustration for me; “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the will of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
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