It might not be the biggest headlines of the year given everything going on, but why is it that it seems there’s several recent random World records being broken?
Theres’s the story of “Man breaks hair-raising world record with 42.5-inch Mohawk” two days ago. Nine days ago there’s a story of “British man breaks Guinness record for fastest ice cream truck.” A day after that there was a “Man eats 107 blueberries in 1 minute for Guinness record” and this same man earlier on August 10th made a record of throwing chopsticks to burst 40 balloons in one minute.
I think its neat to hear of them but after reading so many I started thinking how it might be trivial with some of them.
It be sad if someone’s whole life purpose is only to accomplish these records, and that’s all that matter. Eventually records will be broken, accomplishments forgotten, fame is fleeting and life goes on.
Can we be like that too with what preoccupy us?
What is our purpose?
For the Christian it is to glorify God. How? By living to please Him and having a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ who died for our sins. Living for Him means we worship and love Him. Then we love His people. We seek to do good works to all humans because they are made in the image of God. We also tell them about how Jesus died for sinners of those who place their faith in Christ, so they be eternally saved instead of eternally punished.
A good post at the right time for me. I am dealing with a hobby in my life which demanded much of my time, I am talking of chess. God has been convicting me that chess was using too much of my time. God bless you brother.
I am embarrassed to say I don’t know how to play! Do you play with others in person or online?
Hi Jim, don’t be too hard on yourself bro…there are loads of folk who don’t play chess. Before the virus I played in a small club every week and online. But now it is all online play.
Or may be god has kept you in that club to pray for the people there – so that the eyes of their understanding be opened ?
[…] Trivial Accomplishments and Life […]
Hi Jim, I’ve never been keen over the word “punished”, although I do understand the connotation. God’s Word tells us that it is not God’s will that any should perish. It is we that reject His offer of love, as testified to through the rejection of the death of His Son for all of our sins. We reap what we sow and that in essence, is the result of our choice, either by direct rejection or indifference. Our “punishment” is the result of our own determination. The “whosoever” in John 3:16 from my perspective, puts the ball in our court, hence our own personal accountability. It reminds me of when Moses read the blessings and curses to Israel and they then had to choose their own individual path. Their decision determined the results. I am aware of the “total depravity” aspect of Calvinism where humanity is deemed unable to make this choice, which partially explains why I do not adhere to Calvinism. Sorry for the blip on the screen, just thought I would throw this in. No ripples intended. Blessings.
Great words, Jim! It is like an additional to if not a sub creed (referring to the last paragraph). It is our mission statement as Christians. Thank you, pastor! And you are right, what we accomplished in this world is fleeting, just like grass–here today, gone tomorrow. So, talking about accomplishments, what we aim in doing in this world is for the “treasures in heaven.” May we spread more on the Triune GOD’s love, mercy, saving grace and hate for sins.
Indeed may we spread more the Gospel and keep that front and center! Praying right now for God to use both our blogs for that purpose. I celebrate your blog getting more views, likes and comments. The world needs to hear God’s Word and Biblical truths amen?
Amen! All praises to the Triune GOD for by His will, the grass grows and also whithers, according to His purpose! So are the temporary things (even in service of Him) that we do in this world.
These record breakers are entertaining to read. We all love to read a story of an achiever, winners, but depending on what they had to do to get there. We all have to think about what we want to be remembered for and who it is we want to give us that recognition. All things in this world will be consumed. Heavenly things are the only things that will last. I hope to do things with my life that will bring others to Christ. Everything else I do is in vain. (Ecclesiastes)
Exactly. I suspect many of us will be looking back and kicking ourselves for the time, passion, and energy spent on things that in the end will burn up.
Sister will you be able to check your spam filter to see if my comments on your blog got caught on there? Seem wordpress is acting up for my commenting on people’s blog today
Is there one in particular? I am seeing your comments. I am not always around to read these daily. Sometimes I am babysitting.
I remember the day I had my students write down the names of the World Series winners in (a random year), Miss America in (another random year) and an Oscar winner from a generation ago. (A lot of blank papers.) Then I asked them to write down the names of three people who have influenced them personally in their lives. Pencils started scratching away … Point taken. 😉
Wow that is a powerful point. How old were the students???
9th grade.
Thanks for this message. We see people pursing all kinds of records, goals, pastimes, causes. Some with remarkable commitment and energy. We have to regularly and prayerfully “recalibrate” our pursuits according to God’s will for us.
Amen we all need to recalibrate from time to time. Yet we must also not be legalistic and remember there’s area of Christian liberties of what people do for leisure! How’s your Saturday going?
RE: area of Christian liberties
Yes, I come from the IFB as you know and in that movement everyone’s leisure activities were scrutinized.
RE: Saturday
Tomorrow is my wife’s 65th birthday and our oldest son and his crew will be coming over for a backyard cookout so I spent most of the day prepping for that plus worked on the last window.
How’s your Saturday going? I know you’re sermon prepping?
Excellent! This sums it up well: “What is our purpose? For the Christian it is to glorify God.”
Thanks the great insight.
Blessings.
Honest discussion Pastor Jim. We need to place God first in our lives, and set aside appropriate time for prayer and studying His Word.
Thank you, Jim. Have a blessed Lord’s Day. How I start the week tends to bring it to its desired end.
Good post to think upon. Reminds me of Paul, so accomplished and prominent in credentials but called it all dung…compared to knowing Jesus.
I want that mindset in every worldly view.
God bless you Pastor Slimjim, press on…
I ‘like’ this Jim! Thanks for the reminder of what our priorities should focus on!
Earthly pursuits should be second compared to the Eternal. We use too much energy on what does not last. Thank you for the reminder pastor Jim.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day.
Reblogged this on a simple man of God.
First things first, keep the Main Thing the main thing…living for the glory of God! Amen!
Good point Lalia
So so profound message in a world filled up to the brim with vanities that draw us away so easily, may the Lord bless you
Let him that hath ears understand.
Not only could humans experience Jesus personally then, but He is still working today. I’ve personally experienced Him in my life.
“What are all the stained glories, the fading beauties of this world?…What are they in comparison of one view of the glory of God represented in Christ, and of the glory of Christ as his great representative?”
– John Owen