The Living Christ

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Recently I read “On Fire”, written by a man who as a nine-year-old boy, with third degree burns on 85% of his body, was not expected to live. He learned to fight for life when he would rather die, because his mother offered him the responsibility of choosing to fight for life, as he faced possible death. If you and I had to choose between life and death, what might we choose in the midst of pain?

Several thoughts come to mind when we consider the choices we must make day to day. God called the nation of Israel to choose between life and death. He laid out the rationale clearly….”so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God!” (Deuteronomy 30:20). In the book I read the author challenges his readers with seven choices to ignite a radically inspired life. Throughout he relied on God as the source of his strength to fight against all odds, and the power of prayer.

Thinking about the problems we face today – relational problems, disappointment, loss, cruelty and pain as well as the rigors of old age and more, can we say, will we say that we understand why we must endure? What is it that ignites your passion? Victor Frankl said “If you know your ‘why’ you can endure any ‘how’ “. How we live life in the mundane of everyday defines who we truly are. The danger is that we might forget why we are doing what we are doing. We come home exhausted from work, too tired to do anything but grumble, so then our families suffer because we’ve lost the vision of living for others.

The Lord Jesus came to earth fully aware of the suffering He would endure. Day by day His family and community rejected Him. “His own received Him not” John explains (1:11). What was it that motivated His choices in the midst of ridicule and rejection?

Could it be that Jesus lived out the injunction from Deuteronomy? God went on to say to the nation of Israel that life was all about loving God, listening to His voice and holding fast to Him, because “the Lord is your life” (Deuteronomy 30:20). This is a reason why we can give everything we’ve got to making our world a better place.

Whatever you do “do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Might this be your rational for living life to the full? In spite of your limitations, without regard for what people might think, when we know God is calling us to live for Him, what greater joy can there be than to see our purpose is breathing life into others?

Reflection:

Why things do not go well might be because we have lost our passion. You see – indifference kills hope and joy and peace. Passion, on the other hand, overcomes obstacles. Are you letting the love of God fuel your passion? Why or why not? Is this the testimony of the Living Christ and those who follow Him??

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)