For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21

Who cares what this life will bring?  Why do we involve ourselves with what will come in this life?

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 John 2:16

For surely, whether I live, I live for the Lord, and whether I die, I die for the Lord.

When God met with Abraham, He gave Him the most surest promise of all life.

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Genesis 15:1 KJV

God Himself was Abraham’s ultimate reward.  He would be given descendants; he would be honored and remembered for all of time as the father of our faith because he believed God; and, he would never die, for out of his line, the Messiah would come, and bring Eternal life to all who, through faith, looked forward to Christ.  But, Beyond all of that, and everything else, in the farthest reaches of Eternity, only One Thing mattered.  Abram, God said, I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward.  This was the One Thing that mattered.

David sang these thoughts centuries later.

One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple.
For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.

Psalm 27:4-5

You see, God Himself was both David’s shield and reward, yet again.

At some point in this life, we must all come to the recognition that we will not get through this life without some attacks.  People will hate you for believing this or that or perhaps simply because you believe at all.  Jesus and the apostles said that those who desired to live godly in this age would be persecuted (Matthew 10:17, 2 Timothy 3:12, et al).

Yet, with eyes towards heaven, and a heart no longer focused on this world, all we can do is keep walking.

So, whether it is blessing or cursing, greatness in this life or obscurity, who really cares at all?  What is the greatest gift in this world worth?  When every demon they encountered submitted to them at their command, Jesus’ command was to look at something Eternal, their salvation, rather than their temporal ministry (Luke 10:20).  If our eyes cannot fall upon Eternity, and seek first His Kingdom rather than the manifestation of it, then what good is it to us?  If a man gain the whole world and lose His soul, what has he gained (Luke 9:25)?

But, this is of worth.

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Daniel 12:3 KJV

As well as this,

Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:19

What matters to heaven?  As Jesus said, there is more rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents than the ninety nine that have no need of repentance, who are already saved (Luke 15:7).  What matters to heaven?  Teaching and leading men to Christ, to righteousness, and to the things of God.

What I want, in Eternity, is the legacy of shining like heaven.  I cannot do this in myself, but, as He enables, and I teach, I become like Him.  But, what is recorded forever is those I teach, instruct, and bring towards righteousness.  That I keep and teach the Lord’s commands matters in Eternity.

I will labor and strive and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that I might prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1), as I am commanded to do.  I will seek the Lord always, and endeavor to have the faith to move mountains (Mark 11:23).  I will live with a single eye so that my whole body might be full of light (Luke 11:34).  And, I will live with His love within me, so that I am not of no profit (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

But, I must teach.  For, a sower went forth to sow his seed…

The Son of Man came forth first, and sowed it into twelve.  In their faithfulness, they passed it on to trustworthy and reliable men (2 Timothy 2:2).  And, they in turn, through the centuries, sowed it on.  And, now, in like turn, I will sow of the increase I have received of the Lord.

There is no true teacher but the Lord.  But, as He gives each creature its food at its proper time, as He uses a human vessel, my whole one desire is that I might be pleasing to Him in every way, and living a life worthy of the Lord.

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

Colossians 1:9-12

For, it is possible to live a life not worthy of Him, and to not please Him in all respects.  It is quite possible to not bear fruit and to increase in the knowledge of God. It is possible to be qualified, and yet never use it.  But, this is not acceptable.

The only thing I want to do is to serve Him.  Who cares about the rest?

If a great colossal church is the best way to bring about brightness of the rising of the light of Christ to a lost and dying generation, then brick by brick, let it be built.  And, if the most fruitful path is a lonely walk, alone in the bowels of the Earth, dredging out the depths of prayer, known only to the Father, then let it be.

Whether it is alone or accompanied, it is fine by me.  For, my Father is my shepherd, and I shall not be in want.  I would rather die than displease Him.  Only let me know His will, and which way to turn, that He might be glorified.