On Living the Life

Monday evening, October 13, 2008,
As some of you know, I have been pondering the answer to this question for several weeks: What difference does my being a Christian, one who believes the gospel of Jesus Christ, makes in the way I live my life. To say that another way: How does my being a Christian influence my living for the will of God? I offer the following (from my message this past Sunday morning), and I trust they will be meaningful to you:

1. My living for the will of God has little to do with following someone's list of rules, even the Ten Commandments, and lots to do with following the leadership of the Holy Spirit; consequently, I can live free from the burden of trying to keep the rules and, thus, focus on what He is actually saying to me.

2. My being a Christian has taught me that another's opinion of me does not define or determine my identity; consequently, I can live free from the power of the mirrors of a thousand opinions, and thus free from the shackle of control.

3. My being a Christian has taught me that you do not have to agree with me in order for you to be correct, especially in areas of theology; consequently, I can live free from the shackle of having to prove you "wrong" so I can be "right" or vice versa.

4. My being a Christian has taught me that I do not have to know the answer to every question; in fact, it is quite fine that I do not; consequently, I am able to live free from the burden of having to impress you with my "spiritual" knowledge.

5. My being a Christian has taught me that I can relate to others without thinking I have to "win" them to Jesus; consequently, I can enjoy the company of another without having to judge whether or not he/she is a Christian and, thus, free from the burden of attempting to do the impossible.

6. My being a Christian has taught me that God is not only sovereign over all, but also that He is love, every time and all the time; consequently, I can live free from the burden of having to manipulate my circumstances in order to avoid His wrath.

7. My being a Christian has taught me that suffering is not only a normal part of the Christian life, but also that God uses it to conform me the image of Jesus; consequently, I can live free from the fear that the suffering that comes into my life is the result of some sin that I have committed.

8. My being a Christian has taught me that His strength is made perfect in my weakness; consequently, I can live, boasting about my weaknesses, rather than feeling that I have to hide them.

9. My being a Christian has taught me that my job is to love you, not to judge you; consequently, I can live free from the burden of having to point out your faults, in order to hide my own.

10. My being a Christian has taught me that because God orchestrates the steps of my life, I never meet another person by accident; consequently, I can live in the eternal state of expectancy, knowing that He will open doors for ministry that I could never open, try as I might.

Blessings to you in your journey,

Mac