A man on his way to be executed!

Richard Baxter, 1615 - 1691

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

1 John 2:15, "Do not love the world or anything in the world.
 If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

There is no cure for an earthly mind, but by presenting far greater matters to the mind. If a man were given the sight of Heaven and Hell, he would then value this poor world less than he did before. If he heard the joyful praises of the saints, or woeful lamentation of the damned but one hour, then he would seek after greater goals than scraping a heap of wealth together.

O blinded mortals, who treasure the earth like worms! You are immortal souls, made for God Himself--to admire Him, love him, serve Him and enjoy Him. O beg of God a heavenly mind to look often into Heaven--and worldliness will vanish away in shame.

Consider how short a time you have to enjoy the wealth you have accumulated, and how quickly you will be stripped of all! Life is short, and this tinsel world is just a temporary inn. You are almost dead and gone already. Cast your eye on invisible and eternal realities, and you will see the vanity of all temporary things.

A man on his way to be executed, scarcely looks at the shops in the street as he passes by. These do not concern him. In the same way, how little do the pleasures, wealth and honors of this world concern a man who is about to step into eternity!

"Man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment!" Hebrews 9:27. The greatest wealth cannot rescue you from God's appointed day of death; neither will it help you in the day of judgment. Spend time with the sick and dying, and note what their riches do for them. The poorest are equal with the richest, when on their deathbed.

Your riches will be worthless, when you stand before the impeccably just and holy Judge! Then you shall fully realize that one drop of divine mercy, is worth more than an earthly empire! All your pleasures and prosperity will be forever past. Oh look to your eternal destiny, and live consistent with it!

Life is short.
Death is certain.
Judgment is final.
Repent while the door of mercy is open!

To trifle with your eternal soul, is the greatest folly. What will it avail if you gain the whole world; and yet lose your immortal soul, which is more precious than the whole world?

Eternal joy or eternal misery are before you!

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Today's choice AI resource: The Absolute Necessity of Hearing and Believing the Gospel