7 Ways to Live Your Life

My family did things a little differently this year.  We were tired of making commitments (like lose weight/get in better shape, or reach out more to others, or be more consistent in our Bible study time) and, well frankly, dropping the ball!  So, this year we asked everyone (kiddos and Mom & Dad) to make a list of three commitments.  One had to be a physical commitment (taking care of the temple of the Holy Spirit -- all of us are saved).  One had to be a spiritual commitment (growing in our walk with the Lord).  One could be anything they wanted.  Everyone came up with their own list of three commitments and then we each took a turn to share our own commitments with each other during a "Family Time."  This was encouraging!  Some of our teens talked about
how they wanted to conquer a hard school subject and get a higher grade.  Others talked about wanting to faithfully memorize scripture, or get involved in a regular exercise program.  We also shared what we were going to do different to accomplish these new commitments.  Then came the hard part -- changing our long established habits one day at a time...one decision at a time!  We have continued on this path so far this year -- with weekly "check-ins" during Family Time (I even hard-wired this time into my task list so I wouldn't forget...it was that important to me!).  There have been times some of us haven't met our weekly commitment at all.  So we talked about what we would change in the week to come to successfully accomplish the commitments we made...and we have been ending every Family Time with a time of prayer.  These commitments have helped us see change in our walk with God.  Family Time has given us needed accountability with one another (Mom & Dad included), and failures are turning into victories!  Encouraged.  Thankful.

Over the past year, I have watched people make all sorts of commitments.  Commitments to work as a volunteer in church ministry opportunities.  Commitments to follow the Lord in believer's baptism.  Commitments to buy a house, buy a car, or take a new job.  Young couples making a commitment, a solemn vow, before God and those present as they get married.  Even commitments to attend a special event, or just grab a cup of coffee with a friend, are regularly on the radar.  The point is -- we ALL make commitments throughout the year...granted, some are larger commitments than others, but nonetheless, they are commitments.  The key is in WHAT commitments we are making and HOW we follow through to see the commitment a reality.

How much do we consider the balancing act of our commitments?  In other words, how much does our relationship with God come into play when we consider the use of our time, abilities, and cash flow?  The truth is, we can get so busy making commitments for our kiddo's schooling needs, our teenager's sporting or fine arts events, our side jobs for extra income, and our recreational longings that we have little to no time (or energy!) left for valuable commitments to God.  God is our creator, sustainer, redeemer, protector (and MUCH more)...we will all give an account to the One who is all-knowing...the Lord could call us home at any moment...and yet, we often leave little time committed to Him.  Little time in our hearts for Him.  Some will even push aside time with the Lord -- to worship Him at church, for example -- and replace it with something else.  The replacement is often with a "good thing."  More time with the family, more rest for an over worked body, or a fun recreation event are all popular items many will use to replace time with the Lord.  They aren't wrong in themselves; however, we do have to remember we are using these things to replace time with the Lord...the secondary becomes the primary.

What kind of commitments have we made to the Lord over the last year?  Twelve months is a long time.  Surely we have made some commitments to God in our continually growing relationship with Him (II Peter 3:18).  How often do we pray over those commitments to God?  How are we pursuing those commitments to God?  How have we integrated those commitments to God into our daily routine -- to see a verbal, heartfelt commitment become a reality?

A few months ago I came across a list of quotes by some well known preachers on an independent Baptist website called Ministry127.  I found the quotes convicting and helpful as they all directed my attention to making a commitment to live for God.  So, I added a title and passages of scripture to each quote for further Bible study.  I pray this list that I call "7 Ways to Live Your Life" will stir your heart as it did my own.

1. Live only for God (I Cor. 10:31) 

"Resolved: that all men should live for the glory of God. Resolved. Second: That whether others do or not, I will."  -- Jonathan Edwards

2. Live with a short account before God & man (Prov. 28:13; I Jn. 1:9) 

"The fact is, Christians are more to blame for not being revived than sinners are for not being converted." -- Charles G. Finney

3. Live with a repentant heart (II Chron. 7:14; II Cor. 7:9-10; James 4:8-10)

"Some people do not like to hear much of repentance; but I think it is so necessary that if I should die in the pulpit, I would desire to die preaching repentance, and if out of the pulpit I would desire to die practicing it."  -- Matthew Henry

4. Live humbly before God (Prov. 16:18-19; James 4:6; I Pet. 5:6)

"There will be no revival when Mr. Amen and Mr. Wet-Eyes are not found in the audience."  -- Charles G. Finney

5. Live praying (Luke 18:1; I Thess. 5:17)

"Prayer – secret, fervent, believing prayer – lies at the root of all personal godliness." -- William Carey

6. Live standing strong (Matt. 6:33; Jn. 14:15; 17:17 )

"My friend, we must not compromise doctrine for the sake of results! -- Dr. John Goetsch

7. Live "going" (Matt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15; Acts. 1:8)

"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?" -- David Livingstone

Let's now go and choose to live for God.