Real Life Matters

Read Philippians 4:1-7. Note the expression, “the book of life.”

Where will you be in 10 years? It’ll be 2017. 2017 sounds weird to me, a little futuristic. How old will you be? What will you look like? Who will have died? Now move that out 20 years—2027. What will cars be like? Now move it out 75 years—2082. Most everyone reading this will be gone.

Ah, but the Bible says that there’s this thing called the book of life. And every person whose name is written in it won’t have to worry about time anymore. What would that be like?

But then there’s that other alternative in Revelation 20:11-15. (You might want to read it.) Whether the “lake of fire” language found there is literal or figurative isn’t really the most relevant issue. But it seems convenient to make literal/figurative the issue—a nice diversion from what is likely intended to be real point: Literal or figurative, focus people: the lake of fire is bad and the book of life is good. Which would you prefer?

Studying more, it seems that getting in that book of life starts by simply accepting a gift—the free gift of God which is eternal life through Jesus Christ. It’s offered every time we hear about it. Maybe you’re thinking, “Yeah, but what about those who’ve never heard about it, what happens to them?” I don’t know. But I’m assuming from everything I’ve read that God is perfect love and perfectly just; so God must have some plan for those who’ve never heard. But us… we’re responsible for what we do know, accountable for the light we have.

So now that two convenient diversions are out of the way (literal/figurative & what about the never-hearing?) check out another judgment scene in Daniel 7:7-10. Read the language. I mean really read it. Then notice the words, “The court was seated, and the books were opened.” Ever been to court? Court gives me the willies—even mere traffic court. I remember sitting in traffic court waiting my turn. I just sat there and watched the judge roast one guy after another. My palms were sweaty. So this guy goes up and the judge asks him: “Do you have any previous violations?” He looks the judge straight in the face and says, “No, your honor.” The judge says, “Oh really.” Seconds later, the judge starts reading a long list of offenses to a very pale-faced liar.

We’re all a little like that pale-faced liar so long as we slough this stuff off with God. But if you’ve received the free gift of God which is eternal life through Christ, the Bible says, “There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” So get right with God and admit you’re a sinner and ask God for forgiveness—everyday.

Then read a third judgment scene in Matthew 25. We find there that it’s not really just about the bad things we’ve done, although our twisted minds want to dwell there. No, it’s more about the good things we didn’t do. And if we’re real busy doing the good things of God, we’ll have much less time for bad stuff! So please—don’t just look busy; get busy! And that’s the simple key to a fulfilling life that no longer lives under the fear of condemnation, but under the motivation of compassion. Start fresh today.

Read Philippians 3:17-4:1. Paul says that “their destiny is destruction” (v 19). We all know people who live that way. You know the ones, those folks who are all wrapped up in destructive addictive or sexual behaviors that lead to disease or family fallout, or job loss, or DWI, or jail time, or at the very least, depression.

God is not some killjoy that wants to ruin your party. He’s the opposite. And if we live according to God’s pattern for life, we’ll enjoy real peace and freedom, not the fake-me-out illusion the internet offers. This is proven true in my life time and time and time again—I am much happier in life when I’m making right choices. We need to learn to hate and jettison anything that robs our peace and freedom.

Take sex for instance. God invented sex! But sex outside the context of commitment typically leads to awkward feelings and a mangled de-humanizing view of others. But within the context of commitment (marriage), sex is the most sacred expression of trust. We all want one person—just one—one that we don’t want to share with anyone else—one that we can trust with the most vulnerable area of life and that’s why we’re jealous by nature.

Paul’s “their god is their stomach” (v 19) is a rhetorical illustration. There is nothing wrong with enjoying food and drink in wise moderation. But to make consumption some kind of god… doesn’t that seem a bit shallow? The very first commandment is “You shall have no other gods before me.” God can get jealous just like you. Why? There’s this crazy little thing called love. It’s right and natural for Lisa to not want me messin’ ‘round. She would be right to be an out-of-control jealous psycho-chick were that the case. It wouldn’t be love otherwise. Just as Lisa would be right to say, “You shall have no other girls before me,” God says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Doesn’t this just make perfect sense?

Ever met someone whose “glory is in his shame” (v 19)? It’s like that guy at the office who brags about all the chicks he’s had sex with or how much he drank last night. Woo. Doesn’t a little something inside you feel sorry for that guy? You can see how hard he’s trying, and you can see how empty he seems to be coming up every time. There is no true glory in shameful things. True glory is borne out of sacrifice and commitment. All our true heroes have the right stuff of sacrifice and commitment.

At the end of the day, there are two paths and two destinations: One is heading for construction; the other is heading for destruction. What’s it going to be for you—holiness and happiness, or sleaziness and sadness? The secret of satisfaction is the good life of continuing to cultivate a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s what will bring us happiness, freedom and peace. Anything else is a lie.