1 Peter 1:9 – Your faith [is] of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire.

Have you heard of the man who connived and laboured to get gold? He mined some and robbed for more. While he was being pursued by the law, he came upon a river.

There was no recourse but to attempt to cross it. He forced his horse into the stream. Soon the horse was exhausted. The man was on his own to swim across the river. However, the gold was so heavy he could not swim. He had to let the money belt sink. He was willing to lose all to save his life. At the end even gold was not worth his life.

Has all your busyness brought peace to you? Have your accomplishments at work, in your community, in your home, brought joy to you? Have you found a purpose in life which overshadows everything and brings a pervading purpose?

Practically everything you have will be dumped by you before your life is over. When it comes down to the final wire, all you have left is your relationship to the Lord. Possessions, fame, and fortune will mean little to you in the long run. Why not decide now to put forth what will ultimately be first anyhow? Your relationship with God will be your final support. Strengthen that relationship now through prayer. I suggest that you and I drop off the unneeded and put the proper emphasis on a life of prayer.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, enable me to take a long look at life and to put first things first. Amen.

(From The Ministry of the Master ©1986 by Donald Bartow. Used by permission.)

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