July 10, 2020 – Click here to listen
Norman Vincent Peale once said, “Drop the idea that you are Atlas carrying the world on your shoulders. The world would go on even without you. Don’t take yourself so seriously.”
I’ve often heard the illustration of sticking ones finger in the water and when it is removed the water just fills in and no one can even discern that it was ever there. It goes along with Mr. Peale’s assessment. Even the most educated, wealthy, bright, powerful, beautiful people among us that the entire world admires and adores will eventually fade away and be forgotten.
I have a good friend who was a star football player beginning when he was just a little kid. He was an All American in college and went number one in the NFL draft. In his pro career he set many records. He retired after a few years and today lives an ordinary life. I was attempting to get him to help the Jesus Alliance with a fundraiser one time and he wistfully smiled at me and said he would help anyway he could, but his star power and celebrity status was gone. All that remained was his network of friends. At one time however, he was practically a household name.
I know what he was talking about because he gave me an autographed jersey and most of my friends who have seen it don’t even know who he was.
I have experienced it myself, albeit it on a much smaller scale. I was a CEO most of my life and received my fair share of recognition for my accomplishments and overcoming many difficult obstacles. I saved a box of memorabilia of articles from major magazines and newspapers from far and wide including one that made the front page in Greece. The problem was it was written in Greek and you know what they say – “It was all Greek to me.”
I have not looked through that stuff since putting it in the box, and I suspect neither will my heirs; however, at the time I received those accolades and awards I was bursting with pride. Several years ago I took multiple boxes of plaques and photos of me alongside of some of the most powerful and famous people in the country and threw them in a dumpster to save my family the trouble after I croak. I feel I spent an inordinate amount of time seeking worthless things and I wish I had that time back.
There is but one thing that has lasted all through the years and that is the work I have done for the Lord. It will never fade away and I will cherish it forever in the presence of Jesus.
I used to worry about everything, particularly the sorry state our country has spiraled down to. I’m happy the weight of the world is on the Lord’s shoulders and not mine. I hardly take myself seriously because I know that everything good comes from the Lord and not from me. The Lord has blessed me in spite of my shortcomings, and I have tried to be obedient as best I know how and in spite of my many failures He will never forget or abandon me. When it is my time to depart this world, it will hardly notice, but a tremendous welcoming awaits me in heaven.
As you fight the good fight keep in mind that the world and all that is in it means nothing to God and will soon pass away. It is YOU that He loves, and He will never forget you for all of eternity. Keep the faith and don’t be anxious or worry. Almighty God still sits on the throne and will do so forever.
1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world — the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God remains forever. Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour . . .
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!