Perhaps the most important question we can ask ourselves each day is, “How will I make this day count for God’s purposes?” What if we each would start our mornings by asking that question? Before the coffee, before the shower, even before our feet hit the floor, we should be asking what Christ would have us do in the next twenty-four hours. How could we most look like Jesus as we go throughout our day? I wonder how different our lives might look if we would implement this small discipline. Indeed, consider how the world might be transformed if we would all live each day with such intentionality.
Matthew
Obedience is Not Optional
A reader recently wrote that they “didn’t know any Christians doing all the things you write about”. They were referring to things like feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, the sick, orphans, and widows; demonstrating God’s love, peace and patience. All the things Jesus told us to do. That the whole of the comment was caustic and meant to discredit what I write about was not what troubled me. You get used to things like that pretty quickly as a writer. What deeply bothered me was the fact that this person didn’t know a single soul who was following the commands of Jesus. This stuff isn’t optional. Disciples of Jesus do what He told them to do.
You Are Here
Where are you in your walk with Jesus? Are you where you want to be? Have you moved beyond believing in Him to the point where you are now living for Him? In any growth process, it is essential to be aware of where you are today. Without knowing your starting point, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to map the way to where you want to be. It’s like staring at a directory in a large mall and finding the store you need but then discovering the map has no indication of where you are currently standing. We all need the helpful “you are here” marker to know in which direction we need to move.
The Life of a Disciple
Being a disciple of Jesus means you are constantly seeking to obey His commands and live in the manner He did. It means demonstrating love in all your interactions and exemplifying humility as you consistently seek to serve others. It’s a tall order and one that is not easily accomplished. Jesus warned that the way to Heaven was through a narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14). Without a doubt, it’s easier to travel the wide and well worn path in life, but we have chosen to follow Christ. As a result, our lives must look different from those around us. When people see us, they should catch a glimpse of Jesus.
Deceived
As I sat in a Sunday morning service recently, the musicians quit playing so all that was heard were the voices of those gathered. I smiled, basking in the sound of God’s people offering praise to our King. But suddenly I became overwhelmed with sadness. Were these really God’s people? How many of those present thought they were Christians simply because they had prayed a prayer at some point in their lives? How many would leave that place to think little more of Christ until they returned the next week? I wondered how many of those gathered were true disciples of Jesus, seeking to serve others, express His love, and obey His commands every day of their lives. How many were deceived thinking their eternity was set, when in reality the truth was far short of this?