“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.”

The book “Ordering Your Private World” references two types of people: the driven and the called. But, the greatest book ever written, the Bible, and the Word of our Lord states: “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.” Matthew 25:32-33. Which group do you belong to? Have you considered what footprints you will leave on the sands of time?

The Bible teaches that our character should be defined by integrity, self-control, and sacrificial love, and that we should model our lives after Jesus rather than the standards of this world. The idiom “all that glitters isn’t gold” means those things that appear attractive, valuable, or true, just might not be so…but false, deceptive, and worthless. 

My friends, it’s the ploy of the enemy to drive people down the broad road of life! “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14.

The enemy of our souls’ deceptive lies whispers to accumulate as many things of this world as possible, such things as power, prestige, material gain…falsifying that these things will last forever and elevate our self-worth. Self-worth is defined in the truth that we are God’s beloved children and the apple of His eye- He loves us unconditionally, and nothing can separate us from His love-we don’t have to work for it-it is a gift!

But, in driven people, this prosperity ideology promotes a false sense of security, leading them to think that everything they have truly belongs to them; they “own” it all. It may seem humorous, but they often think the one who is left with the most “toys” wins! They live self-serving, prideful, and conceited. They represent the goats in Jesus’ parable of the end times.

A gospel hymn writer once wrote these true words: “If I can help somebody as I pass along the way, Or if I can show somebody that he’s traveling wrong…or if I can cheer somebody with a word or song… then my living shall not be in vain!”

There is a clear difference in how we choose to live, and it truly matters. Jesus shows us what real life looks like, both now and in eternity. Remember, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the floods.” (KJV Psalm 24:1.) We came into this world with nothing, and we will leave with nothing.

Everything belongs to God. Those who are called understand that what we have is only on loan from Him. We have been bought with a price and belong to our Creator. “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” Isaiah 43:1. Understanding this, we make it our goal to value our relationships each day and hold our possessions loosely, ready to give and share with those in need.

Every born-again believer is like the “sheep” in Jesus’ parable. We are the ones who must follow where Jesus leads. “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” John 10:4.

How will you choose to live, knowing that everything we have, even our very lives, belongs to God? Are you ready to share His message as He has taught us? “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” Psalm 24:1.

Knowing “whose we are, and who we are” helps us honor and respect Almighty God. This gives us confidence rooted in Him, so we can live with humility and love for God and our neighbors.

Finally, 2 Peter 3:11 asks us, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?” The end is coming – How will you respond?

Let us choose to live holy and upright by the power of the Holy Ghost. Never ceasing to trust in God, knowing that if we follow where He leads, then our living shall not be in vain!

God blessings of peace and grace be with you all!