Men of the World or Men of Heaven?

In Psalm 17:14, speaking of unbelievers, the psalmist says a phrase that struck my heart this morning:

“…men of the world whose portion is in this life.”

Even in this short phrase there is a bounty of truth for our souls.

First, such is the pursuit of those who do not belong to God—worldly comforts and treasures. Their “portion” and pursuit are the riches of this world.

Second, such pursuits, at best, provide only fleeting pleasure. For they are enjoyed “in this life” alone, but shall be entirely lost in the next. Even if one who pursues such things were to gain the whole world, he would have forfeit what is more precious still—his eternal soul, (Matt. 16:26).

Third, there is a reminder for our hearts as Christians that the things of this life are not our prize but that our true treasure extends beyond this world and shall not be lost in death but gained more fully. Thus Paul says, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,” (Phil. 1:21).

What—or far better, who—is your portion, beloved?

May the Lord grant that we are not “men of the world whose portion is in this life,” but men of the Prince of Heaven whose portion is the Lord himself, forevermore, (Lam. 3:22-24).

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
(Psalm 73:25-26)