Where is Our Hope?

As I checked the latest on the stock market this morning and found it nosediving once again, the thought came to my mind: Where is our hope? Chances are if your were to ask the average American where the stock market closes and how it affected their 401K later today, or to recite John 3:16, the knowledge of the stock market would far outweigh the knowledge of the bible. This sad state of our spirituality in America today is a testament to our misplaced focus of where our hope is?

Jesus said we should not lay up treasures for ourselves here on earth, but rather we should focus upon the spiritual and lay up treasures in heaven(Matt 6:19-20). This attitude however does not define us as a people. We are placing our hope in our own competence and our own ability to provide for ourselves when God has already promised to provide for all of our needs(Phil 4:19). Our hope does not lie in financial security.

As we concern ourselves with economic meltdown, ongoing wars, riots in Europe, the constant threat of terrorism, instability in the middle east we are asking our politicians to solve the problems and bring about peace. The bible tells us that true peace only comes through Christ. Their will be no "world" peace until He rules and reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We can never know spiritual peace until we first now Him and He knows us as it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit(Gal 5:22-24). Our hope cannot lie in men or politicians.

When we look at what is called God's church and see churches claiming that; church should be fun, entertaining, pleasing to the worshipper and look to so-called spiritual leaders with hope, have we lost sight of what God truly desires from His people. Worship is not about us, it is about God. It is to be reverent, holy, in spirit centered around the truth of God's word. It is not a show! It is not something that pleases us instead of God! If our hope is in a preacher or church, we have misplaced our hope.

Their is only one place our hope can be, and that is with Jesus! Titus 2:13 tells us that we should be "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." Is this where we are looking? It seems as though we are looking to everyone and everything but Jesus. Friends, do not place your hope in corruptible things....Look To Christ! He is yours, mine and this worlds only hope!