What Will It Matter A Hundred Years From Now?
By Perry Sexton
More to the point, what will it matter one second after death? Well it depends on what the “it” is. When speaking of material things that we have or would like to have, “it” will not matter one iota one second after death! For example, it will not matter what kind of house we lived in, what kind of automobile(s) we had, what kind of job(s) we had, etc. If we are saved, one second after death I do not believe anyone saved will be looking back to the "leeks, …, and the garlic:" (cp. Num. 11:5). No, not a saved person. On the other hand, if we should come up “short” (cp. Heb. 4:1) and are not saved (it is possible: cp. Rev. 2:1ff; Matt. 25:1ff; Heb. 2:1ff), again I do not believe anyone lost will be remembering the fine house or automobile, etc. and take pleasure in that. No, not after death, not at all!
“It” will matter how we have lived our lives and how we have used our possessions. Living in a shack will not cause us to be lost any more than living in a mansion will cause us to be saved. “It” is our manner of living – conversation: “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:…” (Phil. 1:27); “Let your conversation be without covetousnes; and be content…” (Heb. 13:5); “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;” (I Pet. 1:15); “Having your conversation honest…” (I Pet. 2:12); "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness," (II Pet 3:11). Yes, there is word from the Lord as to how we are to live our lives on earth if we expect to live with Him in glory.
We are to put God, His righteousness and the church first in all things (Matt. 6:33). Our Lord advised: "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed" (John 6:27). Remember: "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise" (Prov 11:30). How are we living our lives and using our possessions: for the here and now or for eternity? ♥
