Living for Him
2 Corinthians 5:11-15
Memory Verse: Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
On various occasions, the group who is scheduled to mow the church yard will very kindly mow the church parsonage yard as well. We never ask them to do that for us they simply do it as a kind gesture and we are especially grateful. It is important for the parsonage yard to be neatly in order because it is church property and the appearance of church property tells a watching community how we feel about our church. We are always appreciative of those who do such a nice deed for us, but there are times when it is a real relief. Several weeks ago I found myself with a very crowded schedule. The pressures of ministry seem to have come all at once. There were some ministry chores I needed to do on Saturday but I also knew I must mow the grass. It was such a relief to come home mid morning after having made a hospital visit early only to find that someone had already mowed the yard. Their kind act allowed me to focus on some other items that needed my attention.
This is a small picture of something much larger that Christ has done for us. The last two verses of our reading today remind us Jesus died that we might no longer live for ourselves but for Him. The work He did for us on the cross allows us to concentrate on living for Him rather than focusing on living for ourselves. Because He rose on our behalf, it is our responsibility to live for Him. In another Scripture we are reminded that He bought us at a great price. Believers belong to Christ. At another time Paul wrote to the Phillipian church saying, “For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain.” He must have been referring to the joy found in living each moment of our lives in direct relationship to the purposes and calling of Christ on our lives. Do you have a job? Is it one that you know God led you to take? Rejoice in your job today knowing that it has the potential to fulfill your purpose in Christ in you. Retired? Rejoice in knowing that you can live each moment of your day according to His calling and purpose in you.
This devotion is for a Monday morning. Perhaps this is a good day for you to think through many events of your entire week. You may already have a plan. Some of you will be looking at your day timer to see just what is up this week. As you look at your activities for the week think about how you will live your life for Christ in each circumstance.
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
