Week 2: How do we faithfully live as ambassadors of heaven here in this material world?

We live in a material world. A world in which we have legitimate needs for food, clothing, shelter, health care, transportation--the list goes on. Here in Oro Valley, we might add some other "needs" to this list: vacations, luxury vehicles, a nice retirement fund, having a large home with a great view of the mountains, eating at fine restaurants... Ok, so maybe those aren't really needs. But they can sure feel like it in this affluent community when we look around and see what our neighbors, friends and family possess. It's easy to get attached to this world and this attachment develops very naturally. We live in a material world! Now let me ask you this question: If you were to stop, take a moment, and imagine going to heaven, what do you see yourself doing? If you are like me, this exercise is quite revealing. It is much easier to think of earthly things than the eternal. And yet, as we read today in chapter 6, our earthly life is incredibly fleeting when compared to eternity. It's a drop in the bucket. And on top of that, God has a specific purpose for us to be followed over the course of our short lives. So where is the balance found in living here on this material planet, and also living as God's ambassadors--trusting in the life to come? Does this world have such a grip on us that eternity, and our earthly "marching orders" are not even on our radar? Have we grown apathetic trying to find a balance between getting all the comfort and pleasure we can while still living the good Christian life? This is a challenging chapter, and I look forward to all of your thoughts!

Posted on Mon, July 19, 2010 by Joseph

6 comments (Add your own)

1. Marilyn wrote:: I have been praying, since starting this study, that God will use me as a witness and an ambassador to Him. I know that I need a lot of work, but prayer is the the first a most important starting point. I also know that I waste a lot of time, time that could be used to glorify my Lord and Savior. This book is pointing out a lot of areas where I need to grow and improve. Being kind and giving to others is a silent witness that lets non-believers know you have an inner peace that everyone craves. I don't always show that peace and assurance, but hope that this study will help me to do so. I am confident of my salvation, but need to show that confidence in a way that will bless and glorify God.
Tue, July 20, 2010 @ 1:37 PM
2. Mary wrote:: I can't even imagine life in heaven. All I know is this human life and that is not the eternal life that will come. My mind is too small to imagine the life to come but I have faith and feel the comfort knowing that our creator has something better for us. I am excited about the eternal life to come knowing that this is just a temporary life. However, I do think of raising my children. It pains me to think of young children having their mother taken away. I strive every day to do and provide for them so that when I am not here they will be able to celebrate my life and rejoice.
Again that is just my human concerns which are in a way self centered. "I want my kids......." is how I start it.

Can we ever really know what is in store for us after this life?

Looking at the secular world I do believe Christians have become apathetic. Lets not cause trouble but we are living in a troubled nation, a troubled world. We don't teach our children morals anymore and nobody really remembers what our forefathers thought when they started this great nation.

Too much lets all just get along and not cause problems.
Wed, July 21, 2010 @ 9:59 AM
3. Mary wrote:: I just finished reading Chapter 8. I just love the way it ends from the point Pr Warren mentions Martin Luther all the way to the Falling in Love with Jesus. The light bulb just came on. WOW!!!!
Wed, July 21, 2010 @ 2:55 PM
4. Heidi Tronstad wrote:: How do you balance the Prayer of Jabez (I Chron. 4:10) with the persecuted who are imprisoned or killed? Rick Warren mentions in chapter 6 that God doesn't guarantee success in a career or even ministry. Then in chapter 8 he adds that God wants us to enjoy life not just endure it. I remember hearing once what I think is the proper interpretation of Prov. 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." I was told that the meaning is that God will put HIS desires in the heart that delights in him. So if we are living for Him and he puts His desires in our hearts, He will then fulfill those desires.

I guess it comes down to perspective. For a persecuted person in prison who is truly desiring to live for Christ, God must give that person peace that the pain is His plan for him or her and the way God has chosen to have that person's life give glory to God.

And then we have the Prayer of Jabez promoted in America. I know God can use the wealth He bestows on some Christians for His glory. But again, that Christian must be sure to keep God's perspective about the use of their "stuff." Our culture doesn't help with that perspective.

Our material blessings can be a great distraction from what God has planned for us. Getting a picture of His purpose will help me see how those material blessings can be used for His glory not just my own pleasure.
Wed, July 21, 2010 @ 7:07 PM
5. Marilyn wrote:: I think I am almost getting more out of the comments on this blog than from the book. Sometimes when I read the book, I get somewhat discouraged because I know that I have so much work to do to surrender ALL. I know that there are parts of my life that I hold back. Reading the perspectives of others who are reading along with me helps to know that others struggle with the same things. We are blessed with fairly good incomes. have the struggles with our families, trying to live the example that God would have us be, but also taking so much of this upon ourselves...like we could actually solve the problems of the world!

There have been so many different interpretations from other ministers, who actually teach that God wants you to be wealthy, but if we serve our fiances and struggle over money, we serve a different god, an idol.

I am praying that all of us find ourselves in a better place when this study is over.
Thu, July 22, 2010 @ 7:57 AM
6. Laura wrote:: I've been giving lip service, but not fully surrendering myself to God and His will for my life. Oh sure, I've been praying, though not as often as I should, that He show me His will. The fact of the matter is, when it comes right down to it, I still try to take the reins out of God's hands and do things my way. How naive of me to think I know better or can do better than He does!! This week's reading and lots of tears, made me realize it is time for me to surrender fully to Him. I think that is the best way for me to "faithfully live as an ambassador of Heaven here in this material world." I can't wait to see what God has in store for all of us as we continue this journey over the next several weeks!
Mon, July 26, 2010 @ 8:59 AM

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