Meeting 11/2/19
Make it Count
When we stand before the King in heaven, at the close of this life, we sure want to hear, "well done, my good and faithful servant". And we surely want to follow after what Jesus said in John 17, "I have brought You glory by completing the work you gave me to do here on Earth". We've got one shot at this. We've got to make our lives count while we have the chance.
There's been no greater sorrow than the shame I've experienced from missed opportunities. It is hind sight that reveals that the Lord had divinely orchestrated an intersection with someone, but I refused to follow through. I just went my own way. Oh, those are my saddest moments, where the King declares me to be a peasant. Maybe that's why my kids are amazed at my boldness to talk to people today. I don't want to miss any more opportunities that the Lord provides.
It's the same with our life's work. It will be hindsight that reveals any and all regrets. Further, at the judgment seat of Christ, our works will be tried as if by fire. What's genuinely of God will be rewarded. Everything else will be burned up.
What is God calling you to do? Is there something you haven't engaged in yet that He has directed you to get to work on?
Francis Chan was asked how to counsel a young woman that was fretting about being single still. He pointed to 1Cor. 7, where Paul said it's better to stay single so you don't have divided interests. The point is, our lives need to be centered around our relationship with Christ. Nothing in this world should compromise our relationship with Him. In fact, everything we set out to do should come out from that center. And God designed it that way. He didn't give you a gift that would make you move away from that. No, He gifted you specifically with that hope and purpose in mind. He created works for you to do, that only you can do, in advance (Eph. 2:9).
Smart phones have stolen our kids' minds today. This generation is spending less and less time thinking. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are not being developed. Anything in this world can be a giant distraction. Satan loves it. If he can keep us from thinking and allowing the Holy Spirit to convict, reveal, inspire, and direct, he wins a great victory. In that scenario, we arrive in heaven after living an earthly life that was all about the things of this world. Let's not be that kind of people. Let's make our lives count. Let's live lives worthy of the King. Let's live for His glory.
Jesus gave us His great commission in Matthew at the end of His earthly life. He directed us to go! We are called and commanded to go make disciples of every nation. That, to me, isn't making converts of Christianity. It's making disciples that truly follow Christ for the rest of their lives. He wants us to teach and remember all the things He taught and commanded. And He wants us to know that He is with us always. This is our focus. This is a life worth living. It's a life that's centered on a vibrant relationship with Christ. Everything was meant to flow out from that. Now, go. Do that thing. Make it count.
