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.....good question! by Pastor Peter Nelson Once again we've found ourselves focused on John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." This verse has been front and center for us for close to two years now. Most recently we spent time looking at a series of questions that we can use as a barometer to see if we are living life to its fullest in Christ. The call from God on our lives is not to "just get by" or even to live comfortably…the call is to know life "to the full". Jesus offers a life that is abundant, overflowing with his grace. Isn't that how we want to live? A number of people have asked me (actually my mom and one other person) to put these questions in writing , so here goes. 1. Am I headed for heaven? "I hope so…" is a pathetic, lifeless answer. God will ignite in you a resounding "yes" when you are surrendered to him. When you come to Christ, his Holy Spirit moves in and assures us that we are children of God and that no one can snatch us out of his hand. If you can't answer "yes" with confidence…you may not know Jesus… I John 5:11, 12. The starting point for being alive in Christ is knowing him and knowing that your future is secure in Him. You'll never know peace until you trust in Christ alone. 2. Am I connected to the body? If you are in Christ, living and breathing, and by his grace God has not exiled you on a deserted island, you are to be an active part of the body of Christ. (I Corinthians 12). Using our gifts brings us alive, learning to encourage, challenge, and forgive brings us alive…and this all involves other people. We need to be connected to the body of Christ! 3. Am I exercising spiritually? Reading the Word. Praying. Confessing sin. Memorizing scripture. Spiritual discipline in our lives is good! The motivator? We love God! Doing any of these things out of obligation will result in lifelessness. When we participate in fasting, prayer, study of the Word, confession, etc. because we simply want to draw closer to God…it is life giving! 4. Is God using me to bring others alive? He's quite capable of that on his own…He brings people fully alive! However, I sure do love it when he uses me in the process! We are ministers of God's grace in its various forms. He works through us. His grace moves out through us to other people. Be available. Take risks. Share your faith. Believe God. Use your gift! Life will never be boring. 5. Does my life have clear purpose? Christian-he made you, gifted you, and called you all for a reason. Our lives are to be driven by a clear purpose. Why else would we get out of bed in the morning? That purpose is all tied up with God…the master architect provides the blueprint…follow Him and you'll learn to follow the plan. You'll find life in the journey. 6. Am I standing firm against the evil one? We fight a daily battle…there is no escaping it this side of heaven. We must learn to fight well. Paul tells us to put on the armor of God…and take up the weapons God provides. We are not to be outwitted by the evil one. Our minds are a vital part…know the schemes of the evil one; ask God for wisdom…guard our minds and hearts. Think Biblically. Hang with people who love Jesus. Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. This war is real. Be battle ready everyday. There is life in that! 7. Am I praising Him? The fully alive man or woman of God…has the praise of God continually on their lips. The proud don't praise Him…they are too busy looking for strokes themselves…too busy updating their resume of accomplishments. God detests the proud. He gives favor to the humble in heart. The humble, grateful child-gives thanks and praise to God. One of the chief reasons why David was "after God's own heart" is evidenced in the prolific praise that he gives to God. A grateful, praise filled heart is not only good medicine…it is life giving! 8. Am I ready to die? This goes along with question 1…if we know where we are going, and we believe God's promises, being fully alive involves being ready to die. Paul says it perfectly "for to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain". I don't want to leave Karen and our kids…but I sure am looking forward to meeting my Savior! I'm not going to end my life, because I believe God has things he wants me to do…but if He calls today…and calls me home, I am more than willing to go…His ways are perfect and I don't have to fear for my family. This place called heaven involves no more tears, crying or pain…no more cancer, depression or addictions…no more jealousy, lust or pride… the old order of things passes away-everything is new! Fellowship restored like it was in the garden…the beatific vision-beholding the face of Jesus…I gotta stop for now, because the picture is too sweet. Knowing that Jesus prepares a place for me, that there are wonders beyond what our finite minds can grasp, I'm ready for that place Lord…thanks for putting my heart at rest in you. Thank you for removing the crippling fear of death… 9. Am I aware that none of this is possible in my own strength? Jesus said "apart from me you can do nothing"…fully alive has to do with fully resting in Christ. When we try to "make things happen" or do the "religious" we end up striving and in a bad place. When we try to fill out a religious checklist there is an inherent danger. I've presented nine questions…use them as a compass to help point in the right direction. Being fully alive however does not mean walking according to Pastor Pete's nine observations…it means following Jesus and doing what he tells you to do. My list won't bring you alive…only Jesus can do that! Love Him, serve Him, and love the people he puts in your path. As you do, Jesus will bring you fully alive. |