However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)
I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. Revelation 1:12-16 (NIV)
Here lies the bait. What our hands can touch, our eyes can feast upon, our ears can hear or our mouths taste – all present satisfactions - the corrupt heart longs for in lieu of heaven. It is wrongly choosing the paste gem over the diamond. The pleasures of this world’s offerings of sin are short and inconsiderable. Yet, because they are readily available and seen, they often have a greater influence over us than all the joys of heaven which is future. When lust is up, it desires satisfaction now. Instant gratification that lasts about as long – an instant. A little pleasure can make us part with the Pearl of great price. Remember, the earth is much better in show than substance. Things which are here today, are often gone tomorrow yet heaven and hell are eternal.
And what has God prepared for us? No eye has seen, no ear heard, no mind conceived. As believers in sweet Jesus, our portion in heaven is secure. One thing I know to be true, one can never outgive God. He will be no man’s debtor. What measly sacrifices we make in the here and now will be more than compensated for. The weakest saint will be highly regarded and rewarded. Believers do not rely on things seen rather our faith substantiates our hopes – we know our rewards are yet future. Earth is our passage and Heaven our home and is to be valued above the earth. Is God the source of our greatest satisfaction? Would you be content without Him? We must turn our hearts from idols to the living God Who brings lasting contentment and satisfaction to every heir of mercy.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV)