Post-examination

In regard to the last post, it might sound a bit extreme.  I'm not claiming that God is going to make our lives miserable or anything.  God is a good Father and does provide for His children.  I do, however, think there is fine line that we need to be careful not to cross.  With thankful heart we receive the blessings of the LORD, but we do not horde our gifts to ourselves like greedy children, instead we give from what we've been given [money, time, shelter, love, comfort, joy, wisdom, etc...].  It is better to give than to receive.

I'm not saying that the things we do are always bad, but what is best?  I think sometimes we are given a choice as to what we will do with our lives.  Take Paul for instance, after all his travels and preaching the gospel in many places, he purposed in his spirit to make his way to Jerusalem, though people begged him not to go.  After a long journey, with many stops, from Macedonia to Caesarea, a town nearby Jerusalem, a prophet named Agabus from Judea came to Philip's house where Paul was staying.  Acts 21 - 11.And coming to us. he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "this is what the Holy Spirit says: 'In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'" 12.When he had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13.Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart?  For I am ready not only to be bound, but to even die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."  

He had the choice to choose life in the world, or death resulting in life.  He chose what was best.  He did not consider his life on earth something of value, but held Jesus in his view as the treasure of his heart.  He pressed on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ [Phil 3:14].  I have the choice to do this every day.  

Do I want the permissible life or the beneficial life?