Live Like You Were Dying

This past week (January 17-23) was full of planning, preparation, and partying. Our daughter Keira had her first birthday and of course we had to go all out this time around. It went over well, and had a great turnout of people that attended. I look back at the past year and wonder where it went. They truly do grow up fast, and if you blink too often you might miss it all. Isn't that how our lives are here on earth? Just take a look at this timeline of the 1500's to current day. Does it make your life feel a spec on the timeline of history?

How about in light of eternity? I have been thinking of late about just how little time we have on this earth. The world view says that living in this reality, we should live life to the fullest and live it up in the here and now. The world says that to live like you were dying is to enjoy pleasures that this life has to offer, don't deny yourself of anything, and live peacefully and tolerant of everyone. This last Sunday, the message in church was really about our relationships in the workplace and how wherever God places us in our life, he has a purpose and His desire is that we serve our bosses wholeheartedly unto God. Paul talks a lot about our different relationships that we have in life and how we are to live in light of eternity. This got me thinking about really where I spend my time. I spend much of my time online, as do many young adults and teens today. While I do use it effectively sometimes, and even read the bible online in the evenings, I found that I waste a lot of time that could be used for the Lord. That is part of the reason this blog exists, much for my benefit, but also for the few who may stumble upon reading this. I want to make a strong effort to spend all my time serving the Lord in all that I do, so that I don't "blink" my way through life and miss my opportunity to really live. Serving the Lord doesn't have to be in a church, a certain ministry, or teaching your own bible study. Serving the Lord is an constant, active way of life that defines EVERYTHING that you do, with every breath you take. It is in your thought and actions, and it is in the little things that you do every day. Would you live your life any differently in anything you do if Jesus was with you everyday? Would you work harder, watch less TV, read your bible more, or think less about what you are going to do this weekend and more about God? Challenge yourself to live in light of eternity, and if you think your doing all that you can, take Jesus on a stroll with you in your daily routine (He is already there anyway if your a believer) and see if you can refine your life a little at a time. Just remember serving the Lord is a CONSTANT way of life, but you have to have the LIFE first, and that is only found in Jesus.

What Not to Wear - Colossians

The book of Colossians is a new testament book that emphasizes the supremacy and all-sufficiency of Christ. Colossians tells us about Christ's character, sufficiency in Him rather than worldly wisdom, and the believer's union with Christ. As I think about what God had to say through Paul in the book of Colossians, I think about a few things. I think about Christ's character as eternal God, yet also suffering as a man to "reconcile to himself all things...by making peace through his blood." Then I think about how our hope is found not in this world, but in Christ. That our hope isn't in philosophy (Colossians 2:8), or in legalism (Colossians 2:14), in mystical teaching (Colossians 18-19), or in Asceticism (Colossians 2:20-23). Finally, we see in chapter 3, as believers, we see rather what we Should be "wearing" in our lives.

The title of this post being "What Not to Wear", comes from Colossians 3:5-17. To anyone reading, this is what God says is not just fashion suicide, it is the old earthly nature that belongs to the unbeliever. See what verse 5 says; that these things should be put to death! It is the old earthly nature, because the fact is that the majority of the world still lives this way. The Bible says to put to death "sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." While Paul is speaking to believers here, if your not sure where you stand, ask yourself if any of these things describe you. Sexual immorality isn't just those who cheat on their spouses, or is reserved for the true "players", but this goes for anything that is sexual sin. Have you looked on another person with lust, had sex with someone that you weren't married to, or viewed pornography? The list goes on, and just any one of these, just any one time is sin. If (your an unbeliever, this sin will disqualify you from heaven and the only hope lies in Jesus. Please visit the join the race tab on the home page after reading this post if you want to know more). If you are a believer, examine yourself to make sure your not putting on these old dirty clothes.

Colossians also continues on with a list of what else to stay away from, which is the old nature. It mentions anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. Really as believers, we should be clothing ourselves with "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience". So what do you need to work on? I believe God reminded me to be patient when I read this text. For some reason at the time I was being a little irritable and short. God's word comes at just the right time that we need it I believe, and He is always there to help when we seek Him.

If you want to hear about how my patience was really tested, read my next post, which will be coming soon.