Temporary Satisfaction Vs. Unending Fulfillment

Since graduating I have been thinking more about what my future may look like. The more I look at what I see possibly happening in the future the more I realize that my life won't be easy. See, ever since I decided that I'm going to die to myself to live for Christ I have submitted myself to His will. If you look at Paul in the Bible his life wasn't some joyride. Yes, he was constantly renewed in spirit buy the power of the Holy Spirit and encouraged by the growth of the church. However, he went through some really difficult trails for the sake of Christ.

If you didn't know I'm going into missions for a year at the end of August. As I said earlier about my life, its not going to be easy. There will be lots of things I won't want to or won't feel comfortable doing when in missions. However, I know that through it all Christ will always be there to help me and give me strength. The whole point here isn't that I should be unhappy with the trials I have in this life, but be waiting in anticipation of the life and joy I will be given in heaven.

The big question is; Are you going to await the pleasures of the heaven, be willing to sacrifice your earthly pleasures, and follow the Lord's will?

In this day in age everything is so immediate and if its not immediate is it worth the trouble? The quicker we can get somewhere the better, the faster the internet the better - "Oh, what would we do without fast internet?" Its not quick enough to have something tomorrow, but we are of that mindset that we need things now. We need our pleasure now, the quicker we can get our emotional happiness the better. However, as those who have decided to put away the things of the world and follow Christ we should be willing to forgo the pleasures of this world to later receive real treasure that is not temporary.

Now, I'm not saying that as Christians we are not allowed to have fun or enjoy the things we have been blessed by God with. I'm saying that we should be willing to be content with leaving our earthly enjoyment to follow the leading and will of Christ in our lives. 

As I start to move on with the rest of my life I pray that I will develop the endurance to give up pleasure and the things I desire and instead live out the desires of Christ for my life. What is your decision, will you live temporarily or profoundly choose to endure with the help of Christ with eyes looking at eternity in heaven?