We Live Unto The Lord?

We live unto the Lord, Rom. 14:8

“If God had willed it, each of us might have entered heaven at the moment of conversion. It was not absolutely necessary for our preparation for immortality that we should tarry here. It is possible for a man to be taken to heaven, and to be found meet to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light, though he has but just believed in Jesus. It is true that our sanctification is a long and continued process, and we shall not be perfected till we lay aside our bodies and enter within the veil; but nevertheless, had the Lord so willed it, He might have changed us from imperfection to perfection, and have taken us to heaven at once.

ALL IS VANITY

IF...

…It can mean a condition or qualification; a requirement, or a stipulation (Encarta ® World English Dictionary). a conjunction used to indicate the circumstances that would have to exist in order for an event to happen. The event that God would have happen is Salvation for all… God is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” 2 Pet. 3:9. The circumstances that would have to exist are the perfect keeping of the laws of God; sinlessness and righteousness in our lives; a devotion to and worship of God. Can't do it!

LIFE...DEATH...LIFE

We (you, me, everyone) will die. That is Simple, is it not? It is an inescapable fact. To leave it at that, though, is ignorant, reckless, irresponsible, and foolish beyond measure. Do you think so little of yourself? Do you think we are as frogs, or herring, or prairie dogs, or wildebeests that just come and go with little consequence (except as food for snakes, whales, coyotes and lions)? Have you watched the "Circle of Life" movie too many times?  If "birth to death" is all there is, then we (as a most intelligent, sophisticated, potential-of-a-creature) are a most pitiful, momentary breath in the eons of time. However, the significance of all these (animals), and others, is as nothing compared to the worth of man. The Bible says…

"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings (one penny), and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows" Luke 12:6-7.

SO THAT WAS CHRISTMAS

There’s a song in which we find the lyrics... “So this is Christmas, and what have we done?” 
Many opinions on Christmas, most, probably, of no ultimate consequence. However, in the present, there is strife.

I AM CARNAL

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. Rom. 7:14






CARNAL = the sensuous nature of man. I am carnal. I was born carnal; I was raised carnal. I was exposed to all kinds of carnal things growing up, mostly by media (entertainment) and advertising, to the point that I am attracted to and my lusts are gratified by all things worldly and all things of the flesh… albeit, momentarily. So are you.

I say momentarily because that is all anyone who seeks “satisfaction” in the flesh can really expect. We live in “a” moment. There is nothing in the temporal, carnal existence that is eternally satiating or fulfilling. Having our senses glutted satisfies for the moment, but then we want the experience again. Our emotions are excited, our senses are heightened, our intellect is stimulated from moment to moment. Because that is what time does… tick-tocks to the next moment. What has “happened” is of no further consequence or consideration, unless it is happening now.