In Matthew 25:31-46, an oft-quoted Scripture here, we find a list of things commanded by Christ for us to do. It can be overwhelming to look at this list and try and determine how you can consistently do it all: feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, provide for the poor, care for the sick and visit those in prison. While I believe we must be open to doing any of these things at all times, I think it will be far more likely and ultimately more effective if you focus on those things in the list for which you are passionate.
Make Each Moment Count
I’m not a morbid person, but lately I’ve been thinking more and more about the concept of “What if I only had a year to live?” I’m not currently in danger of succumbing to a physical disease and I don’t engage in a plethora of risky behaviors, so the odds are I’ve got more than a few years left on this planet. Still, what if I knew my death was imminent or even if I was privy to know the date when my life would end? How might my life change? What would I do differently or perhaps for the first time, if I suddenly realized the clock was ticking?
Making An Impact
I believe that every true follower of Christ desires to make an impact on their world. It’s in our spiritual DNA; if we love Jesus, we will do what He tells us to do. That means making disciples of other believers, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and looking after the orphans and widows. As long as we are living out the mission of Christ, it will be our unending passion to impact our world for His glory. The question that we all need to ask ourselves is, “In what way are we making an impact for the Kingdom?”
Following Jesus is Not for the Passive
I recently had a conversation with a friend about a message preached at the faith fellowship I attend. My friend’s comment was that he was feeling beat up by the sermon and that his son even asked why the preacher was mad. He then contrasted this with another sermon he had recently heard that was much less confrontational. He thoroughly enjoyed the latter message but ended up walking out on the former. As I reflected on our conversation, I could not help but be reminded of 2 Timothy 4:2-4 where it states that people will seek teaching that will soothe their ears.
Obeying God
What has God been telling you to do that you have been putting off? It’s okay to admit it; we’ve all been guilty of ignoring God many times in our lives. Even the apostle Paul said that he didn’t do the things he wanted to do, but rather kept doing those things he didn’t want to do (Romans 7:15). Each of us know the things we should be doing to glorify Christ, but more often than not we keep to our old habits and more “comfortable” ways. Who are we to believe that what we are doing is more satisfying than obedience to God? It’s ludicrous and very dangerous to flaunt our freewill in the face of the One who granted it. Yet time and again we play with fire and ignore the commands of Christ in order to continue our greedy and selfish pursuits.