Have you ever made a list of the things you'd like to accomplish before your death? Big goals, dreams, risky things, fun things, places to visit, etc. It sounds like an interesting exercise and one the things I vow to do before I die is make this list!
Some of the things I would have put on the list I've actually already accomplished like completing Seminary, visiting Israel, diving in the Gulf of Mexico, Rock Climbing in Colorado, swim with dolphins, visiting Napa Valley, Los Angeles, Washington DC. I've done a lot of really fun things but my list would grow quickly. There are many other things I want to do such as: sky dive, tour Europe, Africa, China (and several places in Asia), and Alaska; take a space flight (or be the first Pastor in space!), hike the Grand Canyon, White water raft, drive a Ferrari (actually owning one used to be my goal, now I'd be satisfied to just drive one.), be in a movie, write a book, and the list goes on.
I'd like to accomplish a lot of things and I will as they come up, but the list is not filled with musts, just wants. If I don't accomplish any of them my life won't be empty by any means, but my life is not defined by the things I have done or left undone. Life is not lived by a check list.
And neither is a life with Christ!
A man once came to Jesus asking "what good thing must I do to get eternal life." (Matthew 19:13-30, The Message) I noticed in this passage the words, good thing. It's as if he was dissatisfied with the simple instructions he had learned about living for God, these normal everyday things like keeping the commandments. He had accomplished all of them, surely that would be enough, he thought. So he looked for that one thing that would put him over the top, that one good deed that would make God look his way, to put him on the pedestal, for heaven to call out his name in praise. But seeking after God is not as simple as checking off good deeds.
While living for Christ is filled with things to do, our action is important, it is the devotion that is first. (Not devotional, or devotions, but devotion. Dedication to the cause, commitment to the journey, a covenent with Christ!) Remember, this life is not about me or you, it's about Christ. Once we grasp that, with our selfishness in check, we can get to the tasks of Christ, not check list, but a daily to do list (like keeping the commandments every day.) There is only one thing that can give us eternal life, our faith. But then that demands of us daily action to live it, to live the very eternal life that is the goal. We get to start it now by living in the nature of the kingdom, with equity, justice, compassion, grace, and love to all around us. This is the action of heaven.
What do I want to accomplish before I die? First on the list is pleasing God by living for the Kingdom...
Every day!
I'll start again, today. Join me.
Peace ><>
PC
1 comment:
What a good thing to hear first thing in the morning! Each evening just before sleep I go over the days challenges to see what part of the day I left out Christ. In the morning I get up and pray for God's strength to help me through the days challenges and that His Light will shine upon those I come in contact through the day. For we as believers are living in the Kingdom and need to do it right every hour of the day.
I to, will start again today.
Peace
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