I have been neglecting Jesus in areas of my life. My own selfishness has been getting in the way. These are not joyful realizations or comfortable words to share, but they are the truth. It is so easy to be self-absorbed within our own lives. Seeking Jesus first is more than getting up early to read the Bible and pray. It’s a life- long commitment to the way we live every second of every minute of our lives. Everything we think, say, and do must be done within the framework of serving and honoring Jesus. There is nothing we possess – be it material goods or personal skills – that did not come from God. He gave us everything. The only way to honor such immense blessings is to give them all back to Him.
I heard Steven Furtick recently say that every blessing that is not turned back to praise will instead turn to pride. There is nothing we have that would be possible if not for God’s goodness. He created the universe and all that is in it. There is nothing that we do that would be possible except for the creativity of our Creator. When something good comes into our life, we must immediately thank God for it and let others know of the Source of our good fortune.
Most reading this blog have a roof over their heads and a means of transportation. They have enough food to nourish their bodies, and clean water to quench their thirst. I have all of this and so much more, but none of it would be possible if not for the provision of God. He gives the abilities and blessings to His children; He provides for our needs. It is not our strength or power that sustains us through each day, but rather His grace and mercy.
The money in your pocket is all His. He provided the way for you to earn it. It is our job to take the money He entrusts to us and turn it into something that will bring glory to Him. Before every purchase we need to check and see if what we are buying is worth the sacrifice of Jesus. Whom are we honoring with each dollar we spend? Before we shovel another bite of food into our mouths, we should ask a similar question. Are our actions pleasing to Him? Are we living a selfless life of obedience, or a selfish one of greed, gluttony, and pride?
Every moment of our lives is an opportunity to serve Jesus. We can do this with the time, money, talents, and other resources He has entrusted us to manage. Or we can pridefully assume we are the owners of the good things in our lives and spend them selfishly pleasing ourselves. We must frame the way we live in such a manner that Jesus is considered before each thought, word, or action. Are we grateful? Will we be obedient? Or will we continue in our selfish ways? How are you framing the life you live?