Eternal Lives Matters

By Joseph Chase

    Please know that I am not belittling the lives of anyone black, white, brown or any other. I think it sinful that anyone would treat or love anyone differently because of the color of their skin.
    I do think that there is an issue that transcends anything we are talking about in this world. That is the importance of the eternal soul. No matter what one does to the body, their soul is what is important.
    For a moment think back to the time that John wrote the Revelation from our Lord. Many of those people were quite likely going to die soon under severe persecution because of their allegiance to Jesus.  He wrote the whole book to encourage them to overcome so they could come over and live with Him eternally. 
    In chapter 2 and verse 10, John records these words that would resonate with someone who might be giving their life in the morning for the cause of Christ...
    “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”(Revelation 2:10 ESV)
    That phrase "unto death" really means, "while death hovers over." When you're in that moment of agony waiting for the final blow, the lion to eat you, the sword to behead you or which ever grisly manner the executioner chose. Be faithful, don't miss heaven to protect physical life that is only temporary anyway.
    I don't know what the future holds for us as disciples of Christ.  Even in this country we may face severe persecution so learn right now that your physical life is not as important as your eternal life. Nothing that man can do to you is worth losing your eternal life.
    “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”(Mark 8:36 ESV)
    “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”(1 John 2:15 ESV).
    “And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”(1 John 2:17 ESV)
    To some degree for everyone this world is unfair. To some it is grossly unfair, mean and trouble filled. Sad to say you may never have those things made right in this life. But, in heaven all of that will be forgotten.

- Joseph D. Chase serves the North Loop Church of Christ in Gladewater, TX. He may be contacted through their website: http://northloopcoc.com/