Bread and Butter

I used to tell people that you cannot truly find real satisfaction in this world but I may want to withdraw that statement now...

Not coming to a definite conclusion but I want to correct my statement to say that people can find real satisfaction in this world.

I am not trying to be heretical but I realized that I may have been rather extreme in my thoughts about this life and the things that are in it. I am saying this simply because I have come to appreciate what it has to offer and the pleasure and satisfaction that comes with it. So much so that it makes total sense for people to strive hard to experience these pleasures in life that can be fulfilling.

The world is an amazing place, which undeniably because it is made by God Himself. Therefore the pleasures that this world can give is undeniably great. The wonders of this world is worth traveling to see, the mind rattling cultures existing is a craving experience, the rich gastronomical variety available is mind blowing, the rush of adrenaline from a sport is intoxicating, the warmth of community with fellow human being is endearing, the emotional plays of all sorts of entertainment is amusing, the sensuality of sex is worth its thrills, the limitless expression from arts is liberating. Life in all brings so much pleasure to look forward to and it does promise a fulfilling life.

But here's the thing...

Once we cross that line of death and into the realm of eternity, it is a whole different story. We would then start to look back at our good and fulfilling life and think to ourselves... that was not worth it...

It is like going through a multi-course meal that starts out with bread and butter, and then progresses on with  about a range between 2 to 30 courses and ending with a high of luxurious desserts and sweets; accompanied by various pairing beverages along the way. But one gets so caught up by its aromatic in-house artisan baked bread and churned butter in manner that they are so filled with that alone and spoil the appetite and capacity to take in the rest of the remaining courses.

What a fool it would be to be filled on bread and butter alone because of how good it was but leave no space for the remaining main courses. But that is for those that live life to the fullest in enjoying life here on earth but is doing little to nothing for eternity. The things that this life offers are undeniably amazing but being consumed by it as the main pursuit in this life is much like only having to stomach with bread and butter only.

I am no longer dissing the pleasures that what this life here can offer, but my leaning is more towards what are you doing for eternity. Are you living a life that is prepping for eternity? Or are you wasting away all those pleasure for only life here in earth? With such limitations in this life, which master are you serving? Are you only filling yourself with bread and butter?

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.²² “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. ²³ But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!²⁴ “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:19-24