Our personal decisions in life always reveal our values. The things that people cherish most, take priority in their lives; family members, friends, business choices, investments, even our priorities in entertainment, will reflect our deepest desires. It’s been said that you can tell more about a man by looking at his checkbook register, than by reading his diary; he can lie to his diary, but his checkbook will always tell you the truth.

Born-again Christians also need to make judgments about their level of faith; regarding time, energy, and the financial resources they will commit to God’s kingdom. Some believers attend church on Sunday and on Wednesdays but are not much interested in getting involved in additional church activities. Some pray and study God’s word daily, while others have Bibles that are gathering dust. In Matthew 6: 21, Jesus speaks to His audience during the ‘Sermon on the Mount’, He tells them… ‘Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust can destroy, and where thieves can break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’.

Jesus also reminds His followers, even today, that if we are to follow Him, we should do so every day, 24-7; storing up treasures that have great eternal value, and less time chasing creature comforts that will eventually burn up or rust away. Jesus also encourages us in how to treat others; are we giving to assist the poor and to make the lives of homeless children better? Do we work to make the lives of our widows in church a bit easier? Are we keeping ourselves free from the sins of the world? In Matthew 6:19, Jesus tells us… that no one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. Therefore, we should be serving God and chasing money; God will always provide for the righteous. It’s important for us to understand that anyone who desires to enter God’s eternal Kingdom, they must be born again; have repented of their sins, and follow Jesus Christ.                                                                              There is no other way to gain citizenship in God’s Kingdom.

So, what do we take with us from this life into our eternal life? Not much according to the Apostle Paul. He mentions our faith, our hope, our abiding love; with love being the greatest of all. He also notes that the gifts of the Spirit, including goodness and gentleness, are designed to last forever. He indicates that our actions in this life also have implications in eternity; did we share the ‘Gospel and the Good news of Salvation’, while on our earthly journey? Did we pray for others and invest our resources to further the Kingdom of God? When we do, we are honoring God and building a strong bond with Him and His Son Jesus for all eternity.

Always keep in mind that we belong to God and Christ… not the world. God’s word tells us that our souls with last forever; whether in His presence, or separated from Him in Hades. Most everyone would like to believe that they’re going to spend eternity in Heaven. Never forget; we do not get to make that choice; only God does.

Remember Jesus' final words to His disciples in Matthew 28: 19-20…              “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age”.