“Evil and pain will not have the last word. The valley of the shadow
of death is not our final destination.” Rev. Dr. Michael Jinkins
LOOK
BEYOND!
World history is
replete with evil doings. Evidence abounds today that we face toxic problems that
infect our world and our personal lives in some way. It is easy to slip into
pessimism and even despair. What are the solutions?
First, set our sights on our eternal destination. Embrace
the fact that this world is not our permanent address. Secondly, while setting our
sights on heaven, we must count on the Holy Spirit to glow through us with the
Lord’s love to offer meaning to the
lives of our families, friends, and others here and abroad. Many nations and
peoples desperately need our prayers and actions expressed in the Lord’s love
and mercy.
Lastly, this verse is helpful when I am distracted
with worry and pain, when optimism is on vacation. Philippians 4:8: “Finally
whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy-think about such things.”
Yes, we live in
a paradox. Heaven stretches out before us. And earth needs our loving attention
and action. We have two hands. Hold heaven in one and earth in the other.
Be encouraged.
