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Is this being selfish?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Steven2006, Oct 5, 2007.

  1. Steven2006

    Steven2006 New Member

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    TCGreek's thread got me thinking about this question. We should be excited and looking forward to Christ's return. Is it selfish for someone to desire to see certain things transpire in their life, before that happens? For example is it wrong to want to see your young children grow up first? To share things with them, just as your parent had with you. To know them as adults, see them achieve things?
     
  2. ReformedBaptist

    ReformedBaptist Well-Known Member

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    I think its normal to desire those things. I desire to see my grandchildren....and my kids are are far from having children of their own yet.

    Does it bother me if the Lord should come back and I not see those things? No, not really. I love Jesus more than my wife, children, possible grandchildren, and the chiefest joys of this life. I love my wife and children and the good things the Lord has given me in this life...but I love Jesus more.

    This is just how I feel about things. I don't think its wrong to want to see and enjoy the gifts God gives us here. But if He chooses to give us the greatest gift, Jesus Christ with us and we with Him forever first, well....Soli Deo Gloria!

    Even so, come Lord Jesus!
     
  3. J.D.

    J.D. Active Member
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    We should desire the kingdom of God above every thing else. We should not see the return of Christ as a threat to our human relationships, but a wonderful mutual entrance into the fellowship of God.
     
  4. Hopeful

    Hopeful New Member

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    Is it selfish for me to wish that my darling husband had not died last year and could have lived longer to enjoy his grandchildren so much? Yes, it's selfish. Because that man is out of pain and with our Savior. BUT, God knows I miss him and knows what the desires of both our hearts were. And since God put those desires there, I don't believe He faults me for feeling them. I believe He sees these desires as "little replicas" of the love He built into each of us--the desire to love and share great joy. Surely as long as we attempt to keep it all in perspective, He does not count this "selfishness" sin?
     
  5. Steven2006

    Steven2006 New Member

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    Thank you for sharing, that was a beautiful reply, so sorry for your loss.
     
  6. Aaron

    Aaron Member
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    Excellent. There is grave danger in loving this life more than the appearing of Christ our Savior.
     
  7. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

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    And on the opposite end of the spectrum is the possibility of having an escape mentality, where we forget to thank God for the life He has given to us here...

    We have to keep a healthy balance.
    Ever vigilant in our expectation of Christ's return, while realizing that God did not just put us here to wait for it...
     
  8. Hopeful

    Hopeful New Member

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    Amen! Ever watchful. :jesus: Ever thankful. :saint:
     
  9. Hopeful

    Hopeful New Member

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    Thank YOU.
     
  10. abcgrad94

    abcgrad94 Active Member

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    When I was a teenager, I used to pray Christ wouldn't return until I got married and had children. Now that that's happened, I just hope he returns before the world gets too dangerous and harms my children. It would be nice if my unsaved family and friends got saved first, though. I think it's natural to have hopes like this as long as they don't cloud our judgement.

    It is possible to be so heavenly minded that we're no earthly good.:saint:
     
  11. Aaron

    Aaron Member
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    You say this only because of the relative ease and safety in which you live. You're happy enough here, why hurry?

    But what if you were a Christian in Sudan?
     
  12. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

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    I see your point, but even persecuted Christians are commanded to give thanks for their lives here... and they have a job to do....

    When a Christian gets saved, that is the beginning.... not the end. Or else, God would call us home as soon as we get saved.

    But having said that, I would be praying... come Lord Jesus, come!
    And I do pray it even today where I live. I can't wait to see Him face to face... however I also want to see my grandkids... ONLY if it is God's will!
     
  13. Aaron

    Aaron Member
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    Good post, tiny! :thumbs:
     
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