What an incredible summer it’s been. Can you believe all we’ve seen over the last eight weeks? Quick check-in: Where are you from a hope and fear perspective? 

I want your feet planted as a Kingdom leader right now.

Look, I’m a confessed news junkie. I love keeping up with current events. And with all that’s going on right now, it’s possible you’re letting fear overtake you.

I mean, let’s recap:

– Former President Trump was shot 

– The Olympics opening ceremony was disgusting.

– President Biden withdrew from the race.

– We’ve seen men beat women as an Olympic sport.

– Church leaders are dropping like flies.

– The Middle East escalation threatens World War Three.

– And what about the economy and markets?

It sounds like a Billy Joel song, right? (“We Didn’t Start the Fire”)

These are the rumblings of this world. But let’s get our feet planted right now.

There are two things we want to have in great supply: hope and self-interest.

I asked you: How much hope are you carrying? How much fear? When hope is in great supply, it pushes out fear. Hope allows me to believe in the future and keep faith. But when fear takes over, I can’t see opportunities and options. I get myopic, and I might make improper or less rational decisions.

So, I want to have hope in mass quantities. And the second thing I want with that hope is self-interest.

Now, you might be surprised. Self-interest? Where does that fit in this moment?

Remember what Paul said in Colossians 3? He said to put your mind on heavenly things, not earthly things. We live right when our minds are thinking about eternity.

Unfortunately, the old wives’ tale I grew up with said, “Don’t be so heavenly minded you’re no earthly good.” That’s not in the Bible. The Bible says to anchor your mind on heavenly things.

We have a home to go to someday. Think about it.  There won’t be anymore war or suffering.  No more taxes!  What will you create there in eternity? Who will you entertain? What will singing and eating be like with Jesus?

Let me tell you a quick story about Cyprian of Carthage.

Cyprian was the Bishop of Carthage, a Kingdom leader. Between 249 and 262 AD, a terrible plague struck the Roman world, killing thousands daily. At its height, 5,000 people were dying in Rome alone every day.

Cyprian led the early church to care for the ill and dying. He encouraged them by saying not only would God praise them in heaven, but they would be rewarded with the Crown of Righteousness.  They all knew, however, that their chance of contracting this plague was high.

Cyprian showed us that hope and self-interest go together. You don’t do anything without self-interest. Self-interest is like sexual motivation—powerful when appropriately focused, dangerous when misused.

Your self-interest is well-placed when focused on eternal rewards for eternal results.

Plant your feet in heaven virtually. Fill up with hope and remember: We’re playing a game that will matter forever.

In your corner,
Jeff

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