Men, at times, need a humility check. I'm certainly no different and often find myself asking God's forgiveness for identifiable moments of my own male cockiness. One such humility check came today in Hebrews 1. Check it out:
"but in these last days he (God) has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. (Hebrews 1:2 ESV)
We live in a world that promotes individualistic idolatry. "You are your own person. Live for you." This mindset trickles down to influencing one's beliefs, morals, daily decisions, and even life ambitions. Authors and producers make bank in the self-improvement, self-help, and self-image market. Doubt it? Check out Joel Osteen, Oprah, and Dr. Oz.
The truth is simple and painful: this isn't YOUR life. I point out to students that if you create something, that "something" is yours. Hebrews 1:2 says that God created the world through Jesus. Even if you have not placed your faith and trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior... you are still part of His creation. He planned the number of days you're going to live. Think about that. Your time on earth is limited and nothing you do can change that. What you do with that time is up to you. But that time was given to you by God, and He wants to make it the most exciting, fulfilling adventure you could ever hope for. He wants to take that time and make it supremely useful, helping you accomplish the incredible for your good and His glory. But that starts with realizing that your time on earth is a gift and that it is very short.
"What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." (James 4:14 ESV)
Make the most of your time today by first (if you haven't already) surrendering your life to Jesus Christ. We are all messed up and have broken God's commands. We deserve to literally rot in hell for it. As a result we all need a Savior, and placing your faith and trust in Jesus as the Lord and Savior of your life is the only thing that will get you right with God. If you think that's harsh and narrow-minded, tough. It's the truth according to the Bible.
So the choice is yours. Get right with God or take your life into your own hands. But whether you realize it now or in eternity, you'll find out that it was never really "yours" to begin with.
