'Stop focusing on earthly things' , evangelical Christian pastor advises

Rick Warren has given an important message to Christians.

Using his devotional, he advised believers to keep their focus on God, not earthly achievements or crowns.

"It's important to remember that life on Earth is just a temporary assignment.

Knowing this truth should radically alter your values and fix your attention on the things that are eternally important.

When life gets tough, when you're overwhelmed with doubt, or when you wonder if living for Christ is worth the effort, remember that you are not home yet. At death you won't leave home — you'll go home", he wrote.

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Warren also criticised the popular prosperity gospel.

"It is a fatal mistake to assume is that God's goal for your life is material prosperity or popular success as the world defines it.

Paul was faithful, yet he ended up in prison. John the Baptist was faithful, but he was beheaded. Millions of faithful people have been martyred, have lost everything, or have come to the end of life with nothing to show for it.

The abundant life has nothing to do with material abundance. Faithfulness to God does not guarantee success in a career or even in ministry. Never focus on temporary crowns", he said.

This message was based on 2 Corinthians 4:18, which says, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Rick Warren is an evangelical Christian pastor and author of best-selling books, such as the 'The Purpose Driven Life'.

Do you agree with this message?