Another step

       This passage from Luke this morning ties right into what I was speaking about yesterday, only a step further.  I asked what will we be remembered for? What is the defining characteristic of your life? 

         If you say it is love, devotion to family, love of God, that is all well and good.  I asked what does your life give witness to? After all, what we say is not nearly as important as what we do. Today's reading probes us further if we have not already done so and  says:  ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap.
We can easily be distracted by the things of this world. The things of this world can not only distract you but can subvert your mission, your goal.

         I once again will point to the bumper sticker that proclaims that 'The person who dies with the most toys, wins'. That is person fully engulfed in what life is meant not to be. I am sure there are varying levels of materialism  but we really need to keep our eyes open, our heart open and our minds fully engaged in the business of our God. Love in action. If we are graced with material things, they should be to promote the kingdom and give glory to god. We are not owners, we are stewards. We are meant to love and be loved.

Luke 21:29-38

 Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

 ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’

 Every day he was teaching in the temple, and at night he would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives, as it was called. And all the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the temple.