There’s much more to your story than “now.” Don’t forget that.

One of the lies our enemy uses against us is the idea that a life full of struggle is the mark of a life far from God. Not true. In fact, the Bible makes it clear that everyone who seriously follows him will find themselves swimming against the current of a world headed the wrong way (2 Tim 3:12-13). So it’s important that you and me remember that “now” isn’t as real as the coming Day of Judgment.

The Bible says, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men” (1 Cor 15:19). In other words, your faith isn’t a formula for earthly success. It’s much more than that. Your faith is like a compass, which keeps you from going in endless circles. For this reason, it is precious beyond measure.

I am saddened to see so many people who have spent decades on the planet still chasing cheap thrills and quick highs, like adolescents in a carnival midway.  It’s obscene.

Instead, we are called to fix our eyes on the big picture, so we have something more to offer those around us than shallow hipster riffs on the latest dumb ideas of an ignorant culture.

“Our citizenship is in heaven,” (Phil 3:20) the Bible says. Let us therefore live like inspired missionaries sent from our great home to share the good news that our king welcomes all who repent and believe. This is what you were made for. Anything less will bore you to death.

I’ll see you on Sunday. Be true!

Greg Daulton is lead pastor at Mount Rainier Christian Center in Enumclaw.