Where did you give your energy and time last week? It seems, at times, life can be like one big distraction, staying busy, going from one thing to the next.
But, did you know that you don’t have to do it all? As Christians, there is really only one thing we are called to do, and that is to follow Jesus. Listen to what Paul writes:
27 Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel. Do this, whether I come and see you or I’m absent and hear about you. Do this so that you stand firm, united in one spirit and mind as you struggle together to remain faithful to the gospel. 28 That way, you won’t be afraid of anything your enemies do. Your faithfulness and courage are a sign of their coming destruction and your salvation, which is from God. 29 God has generously granted you the privilege, not only of believing in Christ but also of suffering for Christ’s sake. 30 You are having the same struggle that you saw me face and now hear that I’m still facing. (Philippians 1, CEB)
I love that first sentence, “Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.” Life will not always go the way you want it to go or even get everything you want. If anything, Paul suggests the opposite. As Christians, we may suffer as Christ suffered for us.
23 Jesus said to everyone, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me. 24 All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me will save them. 25 What advantage do people have if they gain the whole world for themselves yet perish or lose their lives? (Luke 9, CEB)
This isn’t a burden to carry. This isn’t meant to be dreaded or feared. Rather, I think it is a realization where this world gets turned upside down at times and people think the only thing that matters is “me.” We are not living a Gospel life, if our focus is on ourselves.
Gospel living is a life focused on loving as Jesus loves, and that is better than anything the world can give us.
Blessings, Pastor Matt