The Importance of Permanence

II Timothy 4:18 “And the Lord ... will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

As we grow older chronologically and spiritually, we see the vast difference between the temporary and the permanent. I remember getting my first car in March of 1988, a 1986 Mercury Capri, a Ford Mustang clone. It was very important to me at first. I remember driving at a snail’s pace over potholes to deliver my friend to his new house on Monument Road. I put kids in garbage bags before I allowed them to sit in the back seat of the car, as they had been playing on the field and were dirty. I was never that concerned when operating my Dad’s vehicles. The car ended up riddled with the “cancer” of rust spots and holes and eventually the motor blew in 1995 and it was sold to a salvage yard for $100.00. I still have the receipt to prove it. Who knows and who cares about the final destination of that car today? Nobody does, including me.

I remember getting down on my knees at my bedside in February of 1983 and asking Jesus Christ to forgive my sins and to be my personal Lord and Savior. I had just finished a night shift at the ER and had brought several bodies to the morgue. I remember asking God as I drove from the HSC to my parent’s house to get me there safely because I had something of monumental importance to do. As I repented of my sin and confessed Jesus Christ as my own Savior and God, I made certain that my final destination was settled, once and for all. Who knows and who cares about my final destination? First and foremost, God. He gave His son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sin and for the sin of every human in this world. The angels also rejoiced as I came to make peace with God through my Lord Jesus Christ. Finally, I know and I care where I will end up after this life is over. I rejoice in the promises of Christ that He has prepared a place for me to live forever in heaven with Him. I hope and trust that you have this confident assurance as well.

Kirk Piccott, Principal
First Baptist Academy