Investing in Heaven

“I hated riding with your dad!” my brother-in-law stated.

I knew my dad was an adventurous driver but still I asked, “Why?”

“I hate riding with someone who is not afraid to die!”

He was not wrong. My father had long ago made his peace with God. That made him unafraid to die. And perhaps a bit of a risk-taker.

Ramon Wert dismembarked from a Navy ship off of the Great Lakes and saw several women standing around a drum dressed in uniform. That is the first time my dad met The Salvation Army. The woman gave a gospel message and said, “Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?”

That night changed the trajectory of his life forever! And how yours truly came into the world.

Many pray for peace on earth, but given the state of man, it is an impossibility.

So how do we have peace in our busy lives?

I remember one time in my life I was bitter—for a long time. It ate away at my soul and soured my relationships. Angry at what I considered an injustice to me I finally realized was just pride in disguise. Once I came to that knowledge, I had peace.

Now, not all the time and forever. Often those thoughts would sneak back into my tiny brain and try to find a home. But I prayed and thought on true, right, and good things instead.

In my job, I deal with sickness and death on a regular basis. Holding onto those bitter peace-sucking thoughts when you come to the end of your life are worthless.

Making peace with others now is much better—but sometimes you cannot. Scripture states in Romans 12:18, Do all that you can do to live in peace with everyone.”

All you can do is what you can do. I remember one time I asked a woman for forgiveness and she said too much had happened. I really didn’t know what she meant but I took 100% responsibility for my part. That is all I could do.

Just think about it. And you may want to make sure you have made peace with God before you ride with people who are not afraid to die.

Suggestions:

1. If you don’t have peace in your relationships, try to examine them and take 100% responsibility for your part and then let it go.
2. Sit in your home in your most comfy chair and ask God for peace for 10 minutes today. Listen to what He says to you. Make it a habit of it. You will not be disappointed.
3. Examine your social media presence and those you follow. If they are not creating peace, unfriend them. You’ll be glad.