Here we are ten days into the new year. At this point in our life the number of years behind each one of us is not the same and how many more may be ahead for each one of us may differ as well. Considering there is a sense in which life is short (i.e. James 4:14), whether the years be few or many, what are we making of them? If we desire a few more years, ought we to give serious consideration as to how we are using the one we have? As we consider the time we have been given, is our focus resting more on our own desires than on the Will of Him Who has given it?
It has been stated, “If God gives you a few more years, remember, it is not yours. Your time must honor God, your home must honor God, your activity must honor God, and everything you do must honor God.” (A. W. Tozer)
In noting the rightful focus behind whatever we are considering in life, Paul urged. . .
“(8)For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” (Romans 14:8 ESV)
This was the very aim of Paul’s life as he noted where we read. . .
“(19) for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, (20) as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. (21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:19-21 ESV)
As we seek to live in a manner reflecting our surrender to the Lordship of Christ, that connection to Him is to be kept in mind as our eternity is linked to Him. How can we think we can live separate from Him now — living life for our own desires and purposes — and think we can be united with Him in eternity? Whether our life be long or short, the long and the short of it is that it ought to be lived for the One Who has given it; honoring Him as the gracious giver of all good things. In this way we reveal our understanding of the inestimable value of the gift of life He has provided as we look toward the eternity promised in the Lord. It is in living to honor the Lord that we will find the most honorable manner of living as we seek to please Him in all things.
Jesus stated. . .
“(26)If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:26 ESV)
Living to honor Him through surrender to His Sovereign Will ultimately brings the honor of the Father to us. May we live honorably as we trust to be so honored!
Have a great day HONORING THE ONE WHO GAVE IT!
Carl
