Dear Pacific Union Member:
For a number of years I have written you letters sharing my perspective on issues impacting our spiritual journey. Most of the time I have used inspired sources for my opinions, believing that only what God thinks really matters.
This will be my last letter, since I am retiring this month after 44 years of ministerial service. It has been a real joy to be involved in the Seventh-day Adventist church as a pastor and administrator. I remain committed to our unique message and mission, and I will continue to do all I can to advance the work of God.
In this letter let me share with you what I consider to be the seven most important treasures of my own spiritual life:
1. Though I am by nature a rebellious, lost sinner, Jesus has died for my sins and offers full and complete forgiveness along with the free gift of His righteousness, so I can enter heaven. "God saved you by His special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it" (Ephesians 2:8,9, NLT).
2. Even though salvation is a free gift, my relationship with Jesus produces the fruit of a changed life that looks more and more like His. As I spend time in prayer and the study of inspired writings, I learn more about my dearest Friend and what pleases Him. Out of that time together the Holy Spirit is able to reveal areas of rebellion (sin) that still need attention, and give me strength to change my thoughts and actions. "Obey God because you are His children. Don't slip back into your old ways of doing evil; you didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God—who chose you to be his children—is holy" (1 Peter 1:14-15, NLT).
3. Knowing I am saved by grace gives me peace that passes all understanding and produces restfulness in my life even in the midst of problems and concerns. "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27, NLT)
4. Truth is not open to private definition, rather is defined in the principles found in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy writings. These sources form the foundation for my worldview and priorities in living. "Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth" (John 17:17, NLT).
5. The books of Daniel and Revelation provide invaluable insights into the great controversy between God and Satan. This perspective informs my understanding of both the secular and spiritual worlds and alerts me to clever traps the devil is setting to deceive me. "For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12, NLT).
6. My greatest joy is in finding opportunities to share with others what Jesus means to me and inviting them to give their life to Him and become a part of His remnant church. "So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless" (James 2:17, NLT).
7. As I spend time focusing on heavenly things, my priorities in life have changed. The most important are Jesus, my wife, and my children (and their families). Only what is invested in people and their eternal life will last into eternity. "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be" (Matthew 6:19-21, NLT).
I pray nothing in life will ever be more important to you than your relationship to Jesus. In Him you have the richest treasures of eternity. Without Him you have nothing that will last.
Sincerely your friend,
Tom Mostert, President
Pacific Union Conference
