Doug Parsons writes, "I had a professor who used to say in class 'Make a list of all the things for which you are willing to be shot at five o'clock tomorrow morning.' Generally, it will be a very short list; but when you have completed it, you will find in that list the things for which you ought to live-things that will produce the ultimate satisfaction in life."

What would you put on your list of things you would be willing to die for? Think carefully. Christ and His church? Your family? Maybe your country or a really close friend? That is probably about as far as most would dare to go. Would you die for your job? No, a job is not that important. Would you die for a hobby or a television set? You say, "Of course not."

Yet, I know men who are sacrificing their families and their own hopes of eternal life for a hobby. I know both men and women who are now in danger of losing their families eternally because they are placing a job ahead of everything else. And I know people who, right now, are trading a home in heaven for a TV set.

In the famous Charles Dickens classic, "A Christmas Carol," Ebenezer Scrooge is shown the happy home, children, and loving wife he gave up in order to be successful in business. In the process he became a lonely, bitter old man, but, as those familiar with the story know, he realized his mistake before it was everlastingly too late and became a better man.

Life is a series of choices - transactions - but we do not always realize what we are selling to purchase our desire until it is too late. Consider carefully what things are important to you, and especially what will be most important to you in a thousand years. Then read Matthew 6:33 and start putting it into practice. I have seen people grow old and die, but not one who has followed this plan has ever expressed regret for the choice made. What choices are you making? Will you regret them in the day of judgment? Give sober attention to your answer!
(edited-KMG)