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"Then Jesus came to them
and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to
me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely
I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' "
-Matthew 28: 18-20
Living The Life
How are you doing at living the
life that God has called you to? How are you measuring up at following
the example set by Jesus, our Lord and Savior? I asked myself these
two questions. As I thought about a reply, looking long and hard
at my life, wondering how I am 'measuring up,' I realized that I
am a long way off in my life to both questions. Too easily I get
caught up in living life for myself. Pursuing my own selfish gain,
ambitions, making priority number one...'me.' And whenever I am
living life in that way what do I find? I find that I am empty,
unfulfilled, not at rest, not at peace, etc... What a reward! If
you find that you are falling short of God's life for you, you are
not alone. "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory
of God..." (Romans 3: 23)
How ironic that living life for myself, which is very much encouraged
by the world we live in, can leave me so unsatisfied. Ironic, or
is it? We have been created to live a life for God. First of all,
God wants a relationship with each of us. He wants your mind, your
heart, your soul. Once you enter into this relationship with God
you will never be the same. You will find that when you are living
for Him, when you are right with Him, living the life He has directed
for you, that there is nothing more fulfilling. "As a prisoner
for the Lord, then I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling
you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient,
bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the
unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians
4: 1-3) So how can I live a life for God? First remember to "Love
the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."
(Matthew 22: 37-38 read it below). These, according to Jesus, are
the two greatest commandments. Second, live life by loving others.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
(John 15: 12). Thirdly, live your life to help others. "...Jesus
said, 'Feed my lambs.' Again Jesus said, 'Simon son of John, do
you truly love me?' He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love
you.' Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.' " (John 21: 15-16)
Living your life for God may not be easy but it will be the most
rewarding thing you have ever done. "Then he said to them all:
'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up
his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life
will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.' "
(Luke 9: 23-24) I challenge you (and myself) to live the life! For
there is a world in need and a life fulfilled by God to gain! Amen.
Take a moment and encourage someone this week.
I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have
any prayer concerns or praises. Have a great week and remember to
smile :), the Lord loves you!
In Christ,
Shan D. Hartsough
"Jesus replied, 'Love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with
all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the
second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and
the Prophets hang on these two commandments.' "
-Matthew 22: 37-38
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