The Treasure of Your Future
by Karen Finn
I think one of the most wondrous attributes of youth is the anticipation of the future, brimming with promise and expectation. Yet, most teenagers are intimidated with the decision-making process during their high school years. The future appears as a giant question mark!
In reality, the future is not promised to any of us. For those of us who have trusted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we do know one sure thing about the future, and that is: we will live eternally in heaven! That may seem like a long time away, but no one knows the time or hour of their death (another question mark!). We need to be prepared for the future, which means that while living in the present time, we need to be conscious of our attitudes and actions. And, we need to tell others about the hope and assurance they can have, found only in the work of Christ.
First John 3: 2-3 states: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” What joy should fill our hearts, knowing that this promise will be obtained some day! Our attitude and actions should center on being Christ-like, reflecting God’s goodness and grace. It takes time and practice to be more Christ-like, but how else would you rather spend your time?
If your future in eternity is a question mark, you can take the time to secure that right now. The Bibles says in Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. We are all sinners. Not one of us is perfect and sinless; only God is, and none of us are holy (or perfect enough) to dwell in His presence.
There’s a penalty for our sin---death, eternal separation from God. Romans 6:23 tells us: “But the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. Oh! What an awesome gift has been offered—that of security and peace and redemption. How foolish we are to reject or refuse it! John 3:16 declares the greatest gift ever given this way: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Jesus was willing to pay the ransom for each and every one of us, young and old. “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Our deliverance (salvation) from this eternal judgment is secured through the sacrificial death of His Only Son. The simplicity of the gospel message is trusting in His Son as the only means for obtaining salvation. Heaven will be our home someday, where we will live with our Redeemer and King. Romans 10:13 promises us: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Is your future still uncertain? Are question marks of doubt marring its effectiveness? Consider what God’s Word says about the future and claim His Son as your personal Savior. Why not acknowledge His truths and trust His Son as the only way who can save you from your sins (past, present and future)!
Treasure your future. Live a life of anticipation, secure in knowing that in His presence, you will dwell peacefully forever!!!
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