Did you buy a lottery ticket a few weeks ago? Considering the odds of winning, I’m guessing your numbers were not selected. Do you make it a habit to gamble? What about gambling away your time? Your life? Yes, we all do if we are honest.
Philippians 3:12-19 (MSG)
Focused on the Goal
12-14I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.
15-16So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.
17-19Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
Have you come to the point where you’ve bought the lie that you’re about as good as you’re going to get? Have you stopped working harder to improve your life, and instead just accept yourself now as who you are and ever will be? Or, do you believe that God can make powerful changes in your life, character, behavior, service to Him, actions, etc. every day of your life?
In life we often settle for less than God wants to give us. In Jeremiah 29:11, He said, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you, not harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.” If God himself has these amazing plans for each of us, why would we quit before He’s blessed us with the abundance He wants to offer His children?
There’s a story about a man who died and went to Heaven. When he got there he was thrilled to visit with Peter, but Peter said, “I want to show you something.” They went to a special house with lots of rooms. Peter showed the man a room filled with the richest treasures and blessings the man would have ever dreamed of having in his life. He said, “Are these my treasure now that I’m in Heaven?” Peter replied, “No, these are the things God wanted to give you on earth, but you never opened your life to Him enough to let Him bestow these upon you.”
In Finding My Smile, Alayna is suffering with severe issues in her life. She’s angry and withdrawn. She refuses to let herself get close to anyone or become a part of anything substantial in life because she’s afraid of being hurt if the person or activity lets her down. A song comes on the radio one day, One Life to Love, by 33 Miles. As she listens to the words, she realizes that God has given her this one amazing life on earth to learn about God's plans and be blessed in His abundant grace.
Why would we waste what God wants to lavish upon us? Why would we waste one day of this precious gift He’s given us? Today, take a moment to really consider how well you are using this one life God has given you. Are you open to all the wonderful blessings He wants to bestow upon you? Are you open to the fullness that His body and blood signify in your life? To the sacrifice He made so you could be complete and full in your life with God?
You only have one life to live and love, don't waste it on anger, pity, or self-doubt. Give it all to God and let Him pour out blessings you've not even dreamed of this day!
Soli Deo Gloria!
If you would like to hear One Life to Love, by 33 Miles, click on the title above.
