Francis Chan's Rope Illustration

Francis Chan's Rope Illustration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF_x8dsvb_4

This illustration is a reality that many of us have failed to realize. What are we doing with our life on earth? Are we trying so hard and spending all our time to study hard, get good grades that would earn us a place in a prestigious school, just so that we will be able to graduate with a degree, that would help us get a job that would pay us well, so that we can live the Singaporean Dream--branded bags, bigger house, posh cars, luxurious holidays--and retire with enough money in our bank accounts to last us an entire lifetime and maybe even leave some money behind for our children, who in turn continue the vicious cycle of studying hard...

What is our actual purpose on earth--this place we call not our home? Are we laying our treasures here on earth where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, when we have been commanded to lay our treasures in heaven? (Matt 6:19) When your time on earth is done, will you be able to hear your Father say "Well done, good and faithful servant" or will He say "Depart, for I never knew you"? (Matt 7:21-23)

We have been called to deny ourselves/die to ourselves. (Luke 9:23) What does that mean?