Standing Strong

I am sitting here today thinking about the terrible act of evil that occurred in Charleston and I am overwhelmed with pride in the people of this state as they have responded only as South Carolinians can. We have lived with issues of racism throughout the history of our state. So those accusations are nothing new. However, our first response was not one of anger or disrespect as so many others would respond but of love. The people of Charleston came together to mourn the loss of nine individuals who were taken from this world without any justifiable cause other than it was there time to meet their creator.  I know that we would have preferred a different means to that end.  However, the truth is everyone will one day have to experience that moment so there is so much we as individuals need to take from this. Jesus taught his disciples about this through the parable found in Luke 12: 13-21
The Parable of the Rich Fool
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
These nine individuals were rich towards God they were giving of themselves even at the time of there departure from this world. I believe they have found their rewards. I mourn with those families who are left behind to deal with this sin filled world but I also rejoice in knowing that these people were ready to meet their savior. As I read this parable I wonder how many of us are holding on to things that truly don't matter in the end. Whether it's our southern heritage and our pride, or if it's hatred and racism when we make anything in this world of greater importance than our relationship with God through his son Jesus we will find ourselves coming up short. I want to challenge you today to find hope in this world by being prepared for the next one. Evil thing are going to happen because we live in a fallen world. Jesus Christ has made a way for us to experience a rich and fulfilled life if we will only endure till the end of this one with all it's trials and sufferings. It requires we hold strong to our faith in Him. Be blessed as you walk in the light of God’s word.