I am not one to think about New Year's resolutions but I do try to think about how I can be better. Recently I saw this question and thought about my spiritual life. I think this is a good question for each of us to ponder. I was reminded of a potential job that would be a smart financial opportunity. And isn't that how we are trained? I mean as my friend says, "no one works at a church to get rich!" I have to disagree. Once I started even thinking about this opportunity the tears started. I could not even think about it or discuss it without tears. That is because I believe I am doing what God called me to do. When I was thinking about the finances I do not believe I was trusting God. Pursuing that job would have made me settle - and I do not believe I would have been living my best life. Now, I know there are times when you have to make those decisions and I believe God gives you the peace when we let Him guide us.
What are you taking into the new year? Are you making decisions to live your best life? Have you even discussed this with God? He may be waiting to hear you ask Him. Living our best life requires intentionality. We must love God, love others and store up treasures in Heaven. Do we love God enough to let Him guide our path? Are we making decisions for our life that He approves of? Does He think this is the best thing for us? Ask Him.
Jesus tells us how to live our best life. Matthew 22: 34-39, "Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ as Jesus replied: ‘‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Are you loving God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind? This is the only way we can live our best life! If we love one another, God abides in us and He perfects that love. We should examine the quality of our relationships.
When we store up treasures in Heaven we are acknowledging what is most important in our life. We are also aware of how deceptive this world is. The world gives temporary treasures. Jesus tells us to store up imperishable treasures in heaven. God calls you to live “your best life” right here, right now and it may sound very different than that of our culture. Hebrews 11: 6, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
We cannot live our best life without peace and joy and they only come from Jesus. Philippians 4: 7, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." When we find our true joy in the Lord, that joy isn’t just something that brings us happiness and contentment. It is an all knowing that we are going to be taken care of. Nehemiah 8: 10, "Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” I pray 2021 finds you living your best life! Romans 15: 13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."