“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.” – Philippians 1:21-23
The arrival of a new year brings thoughts about the future and a lot of resolve to improve, especially in the area of physical health and fitness. But despite all the personal fitness trainers, gastrointestinal bypass surgeries, expensive wrinkle creams and everything else people use to look young and keep fit, the mortality rate still stands at 100 percent!
Someone once remarked that our generation will produce the best-looking corpses in history. Of course, Christians aren’t immune from the desire to live longer and look better in the process. And while there’s nothing wrong with caring for our bodies, Paul reminds us that death is nothing to fear.
Eating, exercising and living right is a good goal and it will make us physically heart-healthy, often increasing longevity. But living in a way to be more spiritually heart-healthy is of even greater importance. After all, our soul and physical heart will one day be separated, but for those whose heart belongs to Jesus will live with him forever. Heaven and hell hangs in the balance.
As you peer into the new year, focus on having being spiritually heart-healthy. To do that, resolve to spend more time in God’s Word and more time in prayer. Design your social life to spend more time with Christian people. Get more involved in your church. Go on a mission trip. Teach or take a class or both. Make sure that your salvation is secure. Witness your faith to others and gently lead them to the experiences of being a saved Christian.
Spend more time with Jesus and realize that He is a more wonderful person than anyone on earth. He is wiser, stronger, and kinder than anyone you enjoy spending time with. He is endlessly interesting. He knows exactly what to do and what to say at every moment to make his guests as glad as they can possibly be. He overflows in love and with infinite insight into how to use that love to make his loved ones feel loved.
With these goals for the new year, life will take on a brighter meaning and you can look forward to not only a more joyous experience while you live out your earthly days, but know that your eternity with Jesus is secure
By John Grant
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney
You can learn how to start a new life with Jesus. Read this explanation at:
http://www.thoughts-about-god.com/4laws/law0.html
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