26 May, 2009
Compare and Contrast
Can you figure out what they all have in common? And what are their differences?
- Roderick Burton II (rapper also known as "Dolla")
- Dom Deluise (comedic actor)
- Jack Kemp (congressman and NFL quarterback)
- Bea Arthur (actress)
- Dave Arneson (creator of Dungeons and Dragons)
- Alan Livingston (former President of Capitol Records who signed the Beatles and Frank Sinatra)
- Paul Harvey (broadcasting pioneer)
- Mike Whitmarsh (Olympic volleyball silver medalist)
- Millard Fuller (founder of Habitat for Humanity)
- John Updike (Pulitzer Prize winning author)
- Ricardo Montalban (actor)
- Jett Travolta (son of actor, John Travolta)
- Clairborne Pell (6 term Rhode Island Senator)
- Maria deJesus (oldest person in the world)
So what are some commonalities? All were famous in some regard. Most were wealthy. Many were at the top of their respective fields at some point.
And their differences? Some were athletes while others were artists. Some were famous for their intellect while others for a skill of some sort. Some were focused on themselves while others were focused on those around them. Another interesting difference is that the ages of those on this list range from 16 to 115 years old.
Another commonality...they have all passed away since January 1, 2009.
Now there is nothing that matters for them except whether they knew Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. No prize, no recognition, no fame or money matters for them one bit right now. Each one of them that didn't know Jesus would trade all of it for another chance to have a personal saving relationship with Jesus. Each one of them who did know Jesus is glad that they focused on eternal matters more than what this world had to offer them.
27Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Matthew 6:19-21 [NIV]
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
One of the beautiful things about God's Word is that it is straight forward with certain truths. You don't have to wonder what God is thinking or what we need to do in response. These scriptures are a few of those that cut right to the chase.
- Every man and woman will one day physically die...whether you were famous, wealthy, popular, good looking, athletic, intelligent...or not.
- Once you die, only one thing will matter...if you humbly received Jesus' payment for your sins.
- Therefore, the only things worth chasing after in this life are eternal treasures in heaven.
Why don't we answer a couple of age-old questions today that apply to our lives?
- "But I am young and invincible...isn't this something I can worry about later?" Again, if you look at today's list, you will find that Jett Travolta was only 16 years old. Perhaps he even felt a bit more invincible being the son of a famous Hollywood star. But the truth is that death is not a respecter of age or titles. God has ordained how many days we have and we must all be ready at all times to meet Him face to face. That is not intended to scare anyone...it is just truth that helps us be prepared.
- "Can I have both the things of this world and things of eternal value?" Many have tried. None have succeeded. (See Matthew 6:24) We can only pursue one and we must choose.
- Live a life that is fixed only on eternal matters. When your friends see that your life's ambition is not fame, fashion, power or riches, they will be intrigued and want to know why you are so different.
- The next time someone near you passes away, pray that God will use those moments to help your lost friends see that life is short and that there are more important issues to think through. It is often at those moments when God has everyone's greatest attention. Do this with utmost gentleness, of course, and follow the Holy Spirit's leading.
- Thank God for each day that He gives you...and your unsaved friends...because the next one is never promised and it is another opportunity to reach out in His name!
- May 2012 [14]
- April 2012 [19]
- March 2012 [21]
- February 2012 [19]
- January 2012 [18]
- December 2011 [20]
- November 2011 [15]
- October 2011 [15]
- September 2011 [14]
- August 2011 [22]
- July 2011 [19]
- June 2011 [21]
- May 2011 [20]
- April 2011 [20]
- March 2011 [21]
- February 2011 [20]
- January 2011 [21]
- December 2010 [21]
- November 2010 [21]
- October 2010 [21]
- September 2010 [22]
- August 2010 [21]
- July 2010 [22]
- June 2010 [20]
- May 2010 [18]
- April 2010 [20]
- March 2010 [23]
- February 2010 [19]
- January 2010 [22]
- December 2009 [22]
- November 2009 [21]
- October 2009 [22]
- September 2009 [21]
- August 2009 [20]
- July 2009 [21]
- June 2009 [22]
- May 2009 [18]
- April 2009 [15]
- March 2009 [7]
- February 2009 [17]
- January 2009 [20]
- December 2008 [23]
- November 2008 [19]
- October 2008 [22]
- September 2008 [22]
- August 2008 [19]
- July 2008 [22]
- June 2008 [11]
- May 2008 [19]
- April 2008 [22]
- March 2008 [21]
- February 2008 [18]
- January 2008 [20]
- December 2007 [18]
- November 2007 [15]
- October 2007 [19]
- September 2007 [18]
- August 2007 [12]
- July 2007 [12]
- June 2007 [9]
- May 2007 [11]
- April 2007 [10]
- March 2007 [11]
- February 2007 [14]
- January 2007 [7]
- December 2006 [4]
- November 2006 [13]
- October 2006 [17]
- September 2006 [11]
- August 2006 [16]
- July 2006 [10]
- June 2006 [3]
