Keep being a Blessing!

In this chapter the psalmist starts off wanting to capture our attention and wants everyone to hear what he has to say. He let it be known that the wise and the foolish all have something in common, they all will die. Doesn't matter how great or small we are, we will all die. We will take nothing with us. All the wealth on the Earth stays on the Earth when we leave this Earth. One might think highly of themselves because of their wealth, but once they die, they will see their wealth no more.

This chapter reminds me of Mark 8:34-38. This passage defines for us what's really important about life. It's not the riches of the world. What's really important is the relationship we have with Jesus. This passage gives a picture of how that relationship should look like:

1. Being a true follower of Christ means denying ourselves of our selfish pleasures and taking up our cross daily, making sacrifices for the Lord daily and following Jesus. What am I sacrificing each day for the Lord?

2. Whoever wants to save their life on Earth will lose it in hell. Those willing to lose their life for the sake of the Gospel on this Earth will save their life in heaven. Am I willing to stand up for the gospel on this Earth no matter what?

3. What profit is there in life if we gain the whole world and all the prestige, all possessions, and all popularity? What benefit is that for us if we die without Jesus? It's no profit! It doesn't help us at all. It's all about our relationship with Jesus. What's more important to us? Our relationship with the world and all it has to offer or our relationship with Christ and all he has to offer?

4. In fact, it says, if we are ashamed of Jesus in this world, Jesus will be ashamed of us before God in heaven. If we reject Jesus on Earth, he'll reject us in heaven.

This chapter truly helps me examine my life: what's really important to me? Or should I ask, what does my life demonstrate is really important to me?