Perspective

 I woke up this morning to the news that a young man of no more than twenty-three had died of leukemia. I did not know him, but I know his father, who is an elder in the church, active in the ministry, and doing the work to which he was called faithfully.

Though I did not know the young man personally, it saddened me and brought life into perspective anew. Why does it take a tragedy to remind us we are mortal? Why is it that it takes a tragedy to remind us that we quarrel, fight, and attack each other over things that we are not guaranteed to see play out or witness with our own eyes?

We’re ready to disfellowship with brothers and sisters we’ve known for decades over the most mundane things, never once considering that tomorrow belongs to no man, nor is any man, including me, guaranteed to see another sunrise.

Where this young man stood on the timing of the return of Christ no longer matters. He is gone to his reward, and all his opinions regarding countless things have instantly become irrelevant. The only thing of importance was whether Jesus was His Lord and whether or not he had a relationship with Him.

Endless verbal jousts over things we can’t control are a poor use of our time. When you are gone, you will be asked what you did with the time you’ve been given, whether twenty-three years like this young man or a hundred and twenty like Moses. The same goes for me and for anyone else to whom the Master loaned a talent and will expect to see a return on His investment. Having done nothing with it will not be an acceptable answer; Jesus told us as much. Still, some of us are reticent to do anything that requires a little elbow grease and self-sacrifice.

I’m not trying to be hard on anyone, no more than I am on myself, I guess, but going through life waiting on tomorrow is no way to make use of the gift of life God has given us. When everyone’s waiting for their ship to come in and no one takes to building a boat, all we’ll have is the wait until we are old and gray and return to the dust from whence we came.

We’re so worried about tomorrow that we forget to live for Him today. We’re so consumed with the future that we fail to live in the present, doing our utmost to bring glory and honor to He who is worthy.

Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

God knows that you need protection. God knows that you need provision. God knows that you need healing. God knows that you need strength. God knows that you need boldness. He is not ignorant of my frailty or yours. He is not unaware of your needs or mine. Better still, He promises He will be there in your time of need, turmoil, pain, hurt, sadness, and grief.

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Everyone knows this verse by heart, but few realize it is the antidote to fear, worry, concern, trepidation, and uncertainty. Focus on the kingdom of God, seek it along with His righteousness, and then all the things that keep you up at night, all the things your mind races to and fro will be stilled and no longer cause you angst or fear.

The righteousness of God is your protection. Seeking His kingdom keeps you from spiraling down endless rabbit holes and dead-end trails that leave you empty and confused.

I know that my redeemer lives. I know He knows the end from the beginning, and I know that I mean more to Him than the birds of the field which He feeds and cares for consistently. What have you to fear, oh my soul? What have you to worry over?

Yes, the world is changing, and not for the better, but we knew it would. Jesus said as much. Yes, laws and mandates are being implemented to facilitate the persecution of the saints. Jesus said as much.

Nothing is hidden from Him. He knows all things, and amid the turmoil and chaos, He has promised to keep you, sustain you, protect you, and encompass you.

Because you have Him, you can remain calm in the midst of the storm, so much so that others will wonder at your attitude. Yes, I know, many would rather catch the first redeye off this rock, but Jesus said we would be living testimonies, and that’s nothing to scoff at.

Treat each day as though it were your last because one day it will be. Redeem the time you’ve been given and do what Jesus commanded: to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. That’s it. That’s all you have to do, and everything else will be added to you.

With love in Christ,

Michael Boldea, Jr.