I Timothy 6:19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

A lot of people are regularly considering and planning for retirement. They weigh different options of saving and investments. The wisest among us start this process very early and the results always show the benefits of that decision. Some, sadly, really never think about retirement until it’s too late and they suffer for it. One noted retirement guru advises, “Live like no one else now, so that you can live like no one else later!”

Paul, in writing to Timothy, spoke of a different sort of plan. He was thinking of eternity! How in the world could one ever save enough for eternity? Is that even a thing? It turns out that eternal life is a great thing, but it is out of reach for us. Sad to say, there’s no way we can ever plan well enough or do enough to get eternal life. It’s just not possible.

But that is where Jesus comes in! He knew that eternal life was not only out of reach for people, but that they deserved eternal punishment. Jesus didn’t come up with a plan like some financial advisors that sounds good but we know is unrealistic. He took action Himself. He went to the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. He opened the doors of eternal life to all who would come to Him.

He made eternal life possible. But He won’t force it on anyone. We have to come to Him, confessing our sins, repenting, and asking Him to take control of our lives. If we do that we will be storing up a very good foundation for the rest of our lives and we will lay hold on eternal life. Not everyone will choose to follow Jesus. But I for one, will choose to ‘live like no one else now, so I can live (eternally) later!’

Blessings,

Pastor Russ