C3,
Today, I listened to a Podcast from Andy Stanley. If you don't know who he is, check out his twitter updates here. As Andy put it, we have "Defining Moments" in our lives when things begin to change, click, make sense, or perhaps even deteriorate. The first incontestable "defining moment" happens at the end of our lives when we die. No matter what belief system we have, one day, we're all going to die.
You are going to die. This might sound depressing; and perhaps this isn't the "encouraging devotional" you were hoping for, but it's a reality humanity faces together. The beautiful thing is that death provides the context for true life. Jesus says "I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly" in John 10:10. So how does death fit into the picture? Even though physical death is painful; and it leaves behind broken hearts, I believe death lays the framework for the only kind of life that really exists, ETERNAL LIFE.
I ask you this simple question today. If you knew you were going to die today, would your life look differently? All of us talk about living in light of eternity; but it's time we start living for eternity. We all avoid the reality of our impending physical death; but if today is all you have left on this earth, what would you do differently? Would you buy a bigger house? Car? Skydive?
This takes us to the 2nd "defining moment" Andy said. One day, after you die, you will stand before God. You will have to account for your life before him. While houses, cars, and skydiving are great, it won't help you before God. Accepting Christ as your personal Savior for your sins (read 4 spiritual laws HERE for more info) and then LIVING for Him is the only thing that can make you right before God. And when you and I get to that 2nd "defining moment," I believe God is going to ask us 2 questions.
1. Do you love me? (God)
2. Who did you bring with you into eternity?
We can't take our cars, houses, boats, or skydiving experiences into eternity; but we can take souls. Today, if you don't know Jesus, read the 4 spiritual laws and make a commitment. Get involved in a local church where you can learn about God and the Bible. If you know Him already, make the commitment today to bring people with you into eternity at your 2nd, and most important "defining moment."
Sharing Christ lovingly with those around us never gets old. It is never culturally irrelevant; and we don't even have to pray about it. It's one of the clearest commandments that exists in Scripture. Share God's love today in a simple way with someone in your world.
C3,
