Today I took a big step. I went from a simple sliding phone to the fancy iPhone 4. I have been looking forward to this day for probably 2 weeks. I was getting tired of my old phone because the screen wasn’t big enough and it was becoming a pain using the sliding keyboard. I must say, the iPhone is pretty awesome. The screen resolution is clear, typing isn’t so bad, and it is convenient when you don’t have to type in the whole url for a website and have applications instead.

It almost seems silly to look forward to getting an electronic item. I mean it’s just a phone, right?

I have been thinking a lot about this and I feel guilty. Why don’t I have the same excitement for Christ’s return? I’ll be honest. I don’t even think about it often, if at all. I look forward to birthdays, special days at work, sometimes school, spending time with friends and family, eating, and lots more. I hardly ever think about how my life will impact others, being aware of leaving a godly legacy, and awaiting eagerly for Christ’s return. How is it that the human’s perspective has become lacking?

The world puts pressure on a lot of folks to gain success. But not heavenly success. Success in the world means having the most money, the most materialistic things, the best looks, higher education, and being the most benevolent person around. I say that last part because having the habit of giving can quickly turn into a “look at me” mentality where we praise the most generous person. I could be wrong but that is just from what I’ve observed.

Anyway, when I was graduating from high school (you know, it feels weird to say that…I’m not THAT old), our ceremony pamphlet had the list of the graduating class and which schools they would be attending in the fall. Well, I felt really stupid when next to my name it was a community college and a majority of the class were going to big name schools. But I don’t regret going to a community college and getting an AA degree. In fact, I am glad for making that decision.

The point is that I know for the education part, there’s a lot of pressure in determining which schools to go to and even whether to attend college or not. There’s pressure in having the smartest, talented child. There’s pressure to be the best athlete. There’s even pressure to be the most biblical scholar. Not to say that these things do not matter at all but what’s the point? Are any of these going to get us into heaven? Or are they just pit stops on the way to hell?

I also understand there’s internal pressure too. We are fallen creatures and there’s a battle going on inside everyday. There is a spiritual battle too. Let us not forget that. Let us not forget, though, who wins the war.

Believe me, I am looking forward to lots of events. Lord willing, I’ll get married someday and have children. Those are not my final goal, though. I am to store up treasure in heaven and keep my perspective in a spiritual light.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. – Colossians 3:1-4

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:19-21