What Happens when Careers are Over?

© 2018 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton) 

Years ago, Kathy and I played a game called “Careers.”  At the beginning of each game, players establish secret goals involving “fame,” “happiness,” and “dollars.”  Each player’s strategy includes any combination of these three assets totaling 60 points.  The first player achieving his or her goal wins.

In life, folks also develop goals.  Some seek great wealth while others pursue fame, happiness, or other assets not included in the board game.

When individuals play the game of careers, they give little thought to what happens after the game’s end.  Attention is focused on achieving the goal.  In the game, consequences of this focus are not very serious.  However, in true life, the consequences of not considering what happens, after life is over, are very serious.  Unfortunately, many become so focused on life’s goals that little attention is given to what happens after death.

Jesus once told the following true-to-life parable.

“The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:  And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?  And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.  But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:16‑20)

Hebrews chapter 9 explains the work of God the Son, Jesus, the Messiah.  He came to die a sacrificial death.  By doing so, he paid the sin penalty for all who come to Him in repentance.  The end of this chapter concludes with the following sobering declaration.

“… as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:27‑28)

As you travel through life, are you treating it like the game of “Careers?”  As you focus on your goals are you ignoring what happens after your “game” is over?

.

You may leave comments for Tom & Kathy (website administrators) below.