by David Brenneman
"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality." Colossians 3:23-25.
Living life is to be more than our attempts at creating our own little paradise and being successful at it.
Most certainly a life in Christ is to be an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Have heard many people make mention of seeking a sign from God to do this or go that way. The nod from God before going further. Jesus is infinitely more interested in your soul than your possessions, prestige or worldly desires.
Jesus didn't die for you and I in order to provide a better physical life for us. His life, His death, burial and resurrection, were to make the way possible to come to Christ for salvation. Our lives are to be a reflection of the Spirit of God in us.
My possessions do not define me.
My tastes in food or drink doesn't define me.
My fashion sense doesn't define me.
What's in my heart and mind...these define me. The parts that are impacted by the Spirit of God every day of my life.
Should He decide to take everything from you would that mean He's angry with you? No. Does it mean what the world says is "karma" for you? No. Does it mean that you're being punished by God? No.
Read the book of Job. Read the Gospels. "Who was it that sinned? This man or his parents?" "Neither. It was so that the works of God may be made manifest in his life."
It's on each Believer to do our best to live as the Spirit directs each of us. The Spirit isn't going to just shove you in the direction you should go. He isn't going to be providing signs to always lead us to prosperity. His job is to teach us everything that Jesus taught. That Jesus commanded. To make disciples who make disciples.
Jesus loved us enough to go through the wrath of God concerning sin for us. Don't we owe Him much more than we offer? Than we give?
Do you have something between you and Jesus right now? Been struggling with issues in life that have seemed to have been going on and on? Where's your heart in this towards Jesus?
Jesus taught this parable:
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall." Matthew 7:24-27.
We should indeed seek success. But success as Jesus sees it. It may not look at all like what you might consider it to be.
The works of your hands should be done in such a way that people see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.
Is the cry of your heart "Look at what I did!" to the world, or is it "Look at what Jesus did!"?
If your language about your situations filled with the use of "I" more than "God", "Jesus", "Spirit", then you probably have a problem.
If you cannot honestly say that you're comfortable with His purpose for you then you have a problem.
If you cannot honestly say that you are seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness...don't expect the other part "and all these things will be added unto you.".
There is no living fully for Jesus and living fully for you. The ONLY things that you take with you when you die are your decision concerning receiving Christ Jesus as your Savior and Lord, and what you did in your life for Jesus.
If Jesus isn't your Savior and Lord, my Dear Reader, according to the Scriptures, your next destination is not any form of paradise. It's in a place called Hell, where all who are there are paying for their own sins. Their supposed deeds done in their lives, even for Jesus, means nothing without them coming to Christ for salvation. There's no special favors, no potential of having done enough good, to escape the torment of Hell. Faith in Christ Jesus alone for salvation is what permits one to enter into Heaven.
Before you consider all the things you have done in life that seem so great as being in your favor with regards to going on to Heaven...make sure that you are saved in Christ Jesus.
Jesus must be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life.
The works you do should be a testimony of the Lord Jesus in your life. How you react to life. How you deal with things. The Spirit is at work in the lives of all Believer's to make them more like Christ.
"For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:5.
Which are you?
All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.
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