Things Worth Keeping

Hebrews 10:35

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
In context, the Hebrew believers were being persecuted for their faith. They were ridiculed, some had their property taken and others were imprisoned. This is serious stuff. Some would toss off their faith and many others would avoid the faith because of it. We also have our issues and in our present day they are becoming more so. The apostles stumbled upon hard times and many others were leaving Jesus. He looked to the twelve and asked if they would leave, also. In John 6:68, Peter says, “To whom shall we go? Only You have the words of eternal life.” It’s the same for us. Things may be tough, but the alternative is far worse. We might have some temporary relief, but the wound to our conscience would be immediate. We would have to ignore our inner self to be at peace. This is never good. We could be in Hawaii on the beach, but if we shut ourselves off from God, the real war goes on. Our faces would speak of our misery.
The passage speaks of the great reward. This isn’t just Heaven in the future. It’s reconciliation with God now. The peace in our hearts, the blessing of fellowship, the guidance that His Word brings are some of that reward. We also are being a model and leader for our family, friends and those around. Just as we learn from Peter’s comment, where shall we go? Nowhere! Everywhere else pales in comparison. Lord, thank You for Your goodness and the richness by which you fill us. Help us to keep our eyes on You, so as to not throw away our confidence.