We live in a culture where the human physique is almost worshipped. We continually hear of the many ways to strengthen and preserve the human body. While we recognize that our body is the temple of God, we also remember that our body will return to the dust from where it was taken.

Compared to the emphasis that is placed on the body, there is a lack of emphasis placed on the eternal spirit of humankind. The fact that our spirit will have an eternal abode, either in heaven or hell should alert and alarm each one of us to the reality and lead to spiritual health emphasis.

One tactic of our adversary continually works toward us to refocus our priorities on the lesser good. While bodily exercise profits a little, spiritual alertness and health is of the utmost importance. One may be able to get along in this world at least to some extent without proper focus, truth and discipline, but unless we are groomed for eternity we will come up woefully lacking. What a horrible crime against our own person and our God. What horrible repercussions for those who focus their greatest priority on their flesh that will eventually go back to the dust without putting proper emphasis on the soul of man that never dies.

The call goes out to one and all for preparation to be made so that we ready ourselves for our eternity. Let not our eternal obituary read;  “Died without knowing and surrendering to the Creator and God who gave his Son so that all humankind could have eternal life.” What a sad commentary for the many in this world who are rejecting the free gift of God which is eternal life in Christ Jesus as well as the abundant life and peace which is offered through Him who loved us the most, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus indeed is the greatest friend of sinners. It is scarce that one will die for a good man; some might even die for a righteous man, but Christ Jesus the Lord died for us while we were yet his enemy and sinners. Our Eternal Creator gave his life freely while we were yet sinners so that we could be saved from the punishment which will come on all who do not know God as their Savior and Lord.

God’s will does not keep good from us but rather, freely bring good gifts and eternal life to us.

Are you in line to receive the greatest gift ever given? Jesus Christ, our Savior is the greatest gift one can receive! The Scripture asks a question; “how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” The Scripture also teaches that the greatest sin is the sin of unbelief against God; that unbelief is demonstrated by refusal to accept Jesus Christ as your own Savior and Lord.

Where is your beliefs and confidence? Is it in your own self, your own will and wisdom? If you continue in this path you will come up woefully short and eternal life will only be as a dream for you.

Instead of seeking to have a buff body with great emphasis on energy, looks and physical health, why not put your greatest emphasis where it belongs?

It is often when we take care of the greatest needs that our lesser needs are most sure to be met. If one lives 100 years, if one gains the whole world and loses his own soul, what profit is it to him? The rich young ruler was instructed to sell all he had and give it to the poor and come follow Jesus. Yet he held on to his stuff, trying to preserve everything for himself. It is to one’s own regret, for in the end, a person who places greater emphasis on himself and his personal stuff will ultimately be lost and doomed. This man is like the man who built his house on a sandy foundation. Every house will experience the storm and challenges of turmoil and eventually death, yet the wisdom of God is to teach us to prepare for that day. Unlike the rich man’s decision and priority, you can prepare and be ready. Even if we are like Lazarus, the poor beggar who pleaded for crumbs from the rich man’s table. Scripture tells us that he died and was taken to a place of eternal comfort, joy and rewards.

Why would one be so foolish to trade an eternity with thousands and millions of years of peace, rest, rewards and great joy for only a few years here with trouble?

Every one of us should live our lives and make our decisions based on the truth of God‘s eternal Word that is given to us for wisdom and knowledge so that we can gain abundant life here as well as eternal life with our Lord and Savior forever and ever.

What is your choice? Your soul is in your own hands.