by Rex Rouis
Sometimes at night, I unwind by watching old family-friendly crime dramas. But as I watch, I can’t help noticing how sad the characters’ lives seem – even the good ones. They’re so self-absorbed. Some make good choices, others don’t, and a few end up dead. But in the end, what was it all for? It feels like they’re chasing after nothing and missing everything. It almost takes the joy out of watching.
Think about it and do the math. Nothing compares to eternity. No comfort, pleasure, or success in this life can measure up to the eternal reality that awaits each of us. The joy of Heaven and the devastation of Hell overshadow it all. Yet, people chase after things that won’t last – things they strive and even kill for – just to numb their earthly pain or avoid thinking about the God of Heaven.
It’s heartbreaking to realize how often humanity loses sight of what’s truly important. Life isn’t about the temporary; it’s about the eternal.
I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them…So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem; my wisdom also remained with me. All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them. I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles. When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 Condensed
I also observed under the sun: there is wickedness at the place of 
judgment and there is wickedness at the place of righteousness. I said to myself, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every work.” Ecclesiastes 3:16-17
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. Ephesians 4:17
The only things that truly matter in this life are finding and loving God, loving others, and striving to live a good and obedient life. Only then can you experience a life that is both enjoyable and full of purpose.
What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? Mark 8:36-37 Message
But true faith, with peace of mind, is of great profit: For we came into the world with nothing, and we are not able to take anything out.. 1 Timothy 6:6-7
Do the math. Nothing compares to eternity.I can’t help but wonder what happens to these characters after the show ends. Silly, I know. We assume they go on living their superficial, self-absorbed lives – at least the ones who don’t die during the story. But eventually, they all will. I know this might come across as a bit of a downer – and honestly, it is. There’s no way around it. It’s just sad.
In each episode, the bad guys are caught, and everything seems right again. But in reality, we’re all “bad guys” in the eyes of God. Only He can take away our guilt and begin working in our hearts to make us more like Him. In the end, no one gets away with anything. We will all stand before Him, and only those who have bowed to Him for redemption will find peace and everlasting joy.
There’s nothing wrong with having nice things. The Bible speaks about fulfilling our desires, and that includes more than just spiritual ones. Nice things are nice – I like them too! But it’s always a matter of priority. Make Him first, and everything else will fall into its proper place. Live a good life!
The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. Matthew 6:21
Because the Gentiles (unbelievers) go in search of all these things: for your Father in heaven has knowledge that you have need of all these things: But let your first care be for his kingdom and his righteousness; and all these other things will be given to you in addition. Matthew 6:32-33
Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Matthew 6:33b Message
What is the end of it all – Meet Jesus, open your heart to Him and live well.
Comments
Dear Brother Rex
It is a wonderful eye opening message meant for all of the children of God.
I too wondered about the lives of the actors and actresses playing good scenes as well as bad scenes. But will they follow the good ? or will the bad guys in the movies become bad in real life or it is just an act to earn their livelihood !!
Just because they play good roles, we tend to become their fans.
In this same way, we need to look at the parables and the real stories of the Old Testament and learn from them, not to become something opposite.
We read about Jezebel, surely we do not want to become like her. We read about Ruth, Esther, Deborah. Surely we want to become like them.
The Bible references given by you very relevant to the message.
What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? Mark 8:36-37
Let us lose not our soul but look up unto Jesus our Savior who shed His precious blood to redeem us from our sins, bondages, generation curses and chains. He is the one who will bring into us the beauty from ashes.
Thank You
Wow, yes. Rex
I just payed this morning to get closer to God. And I’ve been reading in Psalm and Isaiah how to live by God’s commands. This article is a great help. Thank you.
Diane,
Thank you so much. Anything written that helps someone get closer to God – AND IS A DIRECT ANSWER TO PRAYER – is wonderful. To have even a small part to play in that is amazing. We are so encouraged.
Getting closer to God is intentional, like spending time with a friend. You invest, you invest, and you invest. Keep it up.
We love you. Rex