If I Should Die Before I Live
Have you ever known someone who seems to have it all? Well, with material things. And you think I would not trade my life for theirs for any amount of money! Recently I was reminded of this when I heard, “if I should die before I live.” What a tragedy to waste your life in light of eternity. People think of the American dream...retiring as young as possible and living for yourself. Why? Because you have worked hard for years and now it is your turn. I agree we have to provide adequate financial resources. I also want to be able to go and do. But, let’s remember we are told to seek FIRST God’s Kingdom. Matthew 6: 33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” If we really want to live in joy, then we want to use our time for His purposes!
Think about the Apostle Paul. He really deserved a lavish retirement but he had bigger dreams. He had endured beatings, threats, imprisonment, he was stone, shipwrecks and the list goes on! Now, he is spending his days in pure joy, a joy we cannot even understand, in the presence of His heavenly Father. There are lots of people who are bored in retirement and always searching. It is because they are not fulfilled and have not really lived - not lived in the way that brings peace and joy! Think about these questions. Who are you? What is your purpose? Why are you here? Only God can give true meaning to our lives. Acts 17: 28, “For in him we live and move and have our being…” Why? Colossians 1: 16, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”
In His final prayer, Jesus prayed that His disciples would experience the full measure of his joy. Jesus reminds us that, regardless of our circumstances, joy comes from knowing the Father through the Son. As you reflect on your life, no matter your age, choose to live in the fullness of joy. Live each moment fully aware of how God loves you!
Many people are bored. Their life has no purpose or meaning. Hebrews 6: 12, “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” Give your life to Jesus and that won’t be a problem anymore. Finding what we were created to do is the only way we will find meaning and purpose. This also means we must recognize what gifts, interests and skills God has given us so we can develop them.
Ask God to give you a spirit of enthusiasm and make your life an offering to Him! Don’t die before you ever live!