In a striking characterization of the false teachers at Philippi, Paul said: "These men are heading for titter destruction--their god is their own appetite, they glory in their shame, and this world is the limit of their horizon." (Phil 3:19, The New Testament in Modern English)

The tragedy, not only of those men but of many moderns as well, is that their dreams and aspirations do not reach beyond this world. They live by bread alone. Whatever they do in the name of religion--whether praying, fasting, or giving of alms--is done to obtain the plaudits of men. This attained, 'They have their reward." (Matt 6:2,5,16)

Their paramount concern is "What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" (Matt 6:31) Priority interests are all centered in the here and now. The there and then are too far away in both time and distance to be of immediate concern to the man with limited horizons.

Laying up treasure in heaven, having one's affections set on things above, seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness--all these are of passing moment. Immediate self-gratification is the order of the day. Heaven can wait.

The poet, Wordsworth, accurately described such people in his famous lines: "The world is too much with us; late and soon, getting and spending, we lay waste our powers.

Because we are "of the earth, earthy," there is a natural tendency to emphasize the creature needs and comforts. The satisfaction of physical desires becomes an all-consuming obsession.

But what of the needs of the "inner man"? How much time do we give to cultivating the communion between our spirits and the Father of spirits? How much energy do we expend feeding on the "word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." (Acts 20:32) How often do we make the best application possible of our God-given abilities for the advancement of His cause and His kingdom?

Haven't we limited our horizons? The doctor heals our diseases. The boss hands us a paycheck with which to buy the necessities of life. The insurance company covers our losses. The ambulance crew will transport us to the hospital when illness strikes. The funeral director will dispose of the carcass when the spirit has taken its flight.

What do we need God for? What can He possibly do for us that others are not already doing?

In the first place, we are just kidding ourselves if we think we can make it through this world alone. Life and all that sustains it comes from God, "seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things." (Acts 17:25)

Secondly, there is a God-shaped vacuum within the soul of every man, and only God can fill it. There is a universal longing among men for union with their Creator. The psalmist was speaking for the entire human family when he declared: "As the heart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, 0 God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God." (Psa 42:1,2)

Finally, this world is not our home. We are only here for a little while. But even during the brief span of our earthly sojourn, we are short-changing ourselves if we try to live without God. We need Him here. We'll need Him when we come to pass through "the valley of the shadows." Well need Him "over there." Oh, for a faith like that of the psalmist: "Whom have I in heaven but thee: and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever." (Psa 73:25-26)

It is a tragedy of enormous proportions--eternal and irremediable--to be circumscribed by limited horizons when the vastness of God beckons.--1713 Savannah, Fort Smith, AR 72901.