Expedient v. Eternal

When I became a vegetarian, almost 6 years ago, people around me were worried about me because they thought I was sacrificing too much. What do you even eat? People used to ask me that all the time. If was as if people forgot that grains, legumes, fruits, and veggies, etc. surpasses the amount of animals we eat. 

At that moment my intentions weren't the right ones, and after I came to Christ, I did sustain a vegetarian diet for a while, for different reasons. Yogis believe that killing animals makes you a murderer and that your fridge is like a graveyard. Human life is far more important that an animal. The reason? We were made in the image of the living God. Animals were made for us.

When I came to Christ, on January 7, 2017, people around me were worried about me because they thought I was sacrificing too much. So, you're not going out anymore? You're not drinking alcohol anymore? So, you're gonna use long skirts now? How in the world are you going to meet a man if the only places you got to are work and church? You need to go to parties to meet new guys. Christians are very old fashion! Are you not a liberal anymore?

Completely ignoring that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, that He died for my sins, in my place (because I was the one who deserved the punishment that was bestowed upon Him, and He took it upon himself, for me). He is preparing an eternal home for me. He has gifted me the joy of salvation, He has given me peace, He has delivered me from my sins, and from the claws of the enemy. Ignoring completely that the blessings in my life supersede the things this world has to offer me, which are nothing more that empty promises, fleeting things that come to an end. Things which are damaged by moth and urine.

Matthew 6:19 says: “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.

I haven't lost anything but that which brings anguish to my soul and made me feel completely empty. I've gained freedom, eternal life in glory, mercy, and true love.

Philippians 3:8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

 We look to satisfy our own wants and needs, like hedonists, when it has been proven that we are the happiest when we give to others and not to ourselves. We do ourselves, disregarding the consequences. My dear reader, disregard temptation and be a servant to others. Put others first, and consider everyone as superior to yourselves.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Today, I am fully aware of who I am and where I'm going. I'm a child of God who is meant to live forever in His presence. Sorrow and evil will not be a part of my life ever again.