How Should We Live

My Utmost For His Highest

 

‘What God wants is the sacrifice through death which enables us to do what Jesus did, that is, sacrifice our lives. Not— “Lord, I am ready to go with You . . . to death” (Luke 22:33). But— “I am willing to be identified with Your death so that I may sacrifice my life to God.”  We seem to think that God wants us to give up things! […] God never tells us to give up things just for the sake of giving them up, but He tells us to give them up for the sake of the only thing worth having, namely, life with Himself. […] Then we enter into a relationship with God whereby we may sacrifice our lives to Him. It is of no value to God to give Him your life for death. He wants you to be a “living sacrifice”— to let Him have all your strengths that have been saved and sanctified through Jesus (Romans 12:1). This is what is acceptable to God.’ CHAMBERS

 

Are you hanging on to your old life?  Have you convinced yourself that you can do both?  Live the way you used to … like the things you used to like … talk the way you used to talk … and still live a life that is pleasing to God?  So many people live like that .. content with being lukewarm in their faith .. convinced that they are living the life that is ‘good enough’ for heaven.  We want the blessings of God but don’t want the relationship with Him.  We really love the world, but have convinced ourselves that we don’t .. at least not that much.  But I believe in their hearts they know that they are missing the point.

 

In Revelation 3:15-17 Jesus said: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

 

As Americans, we live in a dark culture … one that has turned its back on Jesus and Jehovah God.  It has never been more important that we shine in the darkness.  This is my encouragement to you.

 

Hebrews 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him [Jesus] who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

 

As you make choices today, think about Jesus … and what He has done for you … understanding that … consider how you should then live.

 

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)