Life or Death
- notpopular110
- Jan 6, 2019
- 6 min read
Happy New Year!
So last year I started doing a word of the year. I had never done this before but I thought it would be a good way to motivate myself to achieve a goal that I had on my heart for quite some time. That goal was to get closer to God. I ended up choosing two words Constantly Dedicated. To use the dictionary terms this phrase means: continuously over a period of time be devoted to a task or purpose. While I can't say that I was constantly dedicated for the entire 365 days; I can say that I wasn't a complete failure. I improved and in my mind if you improve in any way you have not failed. I got a lot better at setting aside time in the morning to pray, read my Bible, have quiet time, and read Christian books. This time in the morning allowed me to learn more about Christ, myself, and the role I play in this world. It allowed me to grow in my relationship with the Lord and showed me how He can use me and others to spread His gospel. Sure there were times where I slept in or did my homework instead of use my time for growth with Christ... but I could see the difference it made in my every day life when I let things of this world distract me from God. I wasn't as positive, as happy, as motivated for the rest of my day. I learned the value of Christ when I neglected him. I learned how much I need Him. Since my word of the year was such great motivation last year I decided to do it again this year!
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
So what is my word of the year for 2019? Well I'm gonna change it to phrase of the year because it suits my life better. This year my phrase is "Life or Death". Now, this phrase is different from last years because its not really an action. But it can be an action depending on how you look at it. How did I come up with this? Well God brought it to me one day when I was reading Not Yet Married by Marshall Segal. The book said, "Life and death are at stake in everything we do. Are we living to please ourselves and our sinful desires, or are we killing sin wherever we find it?" You know when God puts something on your heart and you try to do that thing where you act like you didn't hear God, well that's what I tried to do. I said, "I'm gonna pick a word that is completely attainable, not hard, but something that will be pleasing to God anyway." Well as always, that didn't work. God continued to put this phrase in my heart and my mind until I had no choice but to embrace it.
Two things will happen when you die on this earth you will either live an eternal life in Christ's glory or you will die an eternal death full of Satan's wrath. The same goes for everyone else on this earth. It's not always a fun thing to talk about but it is true. You may be a Christian and think, "Okay, whatever, I know where I'm going", but what about your friends, family members, neighbors, coworkers, or the stranger you passed on the street? Christ sent us to this earth to love Him and to tell others about His love for them. Christ wants to use you! Don't walk away from Him. He can use your experiences, interests, etc. to spread His gospel. You can reject His mission for you but it will have an eternal consequence in someone else's life.
Romans 8:13
For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
To me the phrase "Life or Death" gives me 5 specific challenges
1. How does the phrase Life or Death fit into my personal relationship with God
I need to be strong in my faith in order to know how to talk about God with others. I need to be confident in my knowledge of the Bible, but more importantly I need to have interaction with God on a regular basis to know how God wants to use me.
2. How does the phrase Life or Death fit into my relationship with other believers
Am I being a Christ-like friend? You can have Christian friends without them being Christ-like friends. What am I doing to show them God every time I interact with them. Am I voicing my opinions in order to bring them closer to God or am I ignoring their sins because it will create conflict? Am I encouraging them to read their Bible and have a close relationship with God or am I ignoring it because I know they know God? These things can make a difference. Relationships can always improve but many times people don't realize their relationship could be made better. Encouraging fellow believers is important because it will help them grow in their faith and challenge them to serve God more and more.
3. How does the phrase Life or Death fit into my relationship with non-believers
Many times I try to avoid conversations about God with non-believers because it could create conflict. It could damage our relationship. Maybe I just don't know how to bring it up or think they will give me the cold shoulder. But reminding myself that I may be the only one to tell them about Christ and that there could be eternal consequences because of that is huge. It puts a bad feeling in my gut knowing I have missed so many opportunities. It's comforting to know that God works in mysterious ways and that their is mercy and justice in Him. Trusting in God to give you the words is important, but its also important to know that your actions and the way you live for Christ could also be a witness for Him that you didn't even consciously think about. Maybe they saw you help someone or noticed your positive attitude toward life. God can use your every day life to show others His love. Would a stranger know you are a Christian by the way you act?
4. How does the phrase "Life or Death" change the way I use my time and interact with others
I am very selfish with my time. I spend way to much time on social media and Netflix. But I am praying that I will have more will power to avoid idols that distract me from God and put my time to use in order to create fruit for Christ. May my interactions with others show the love of Christ and answer prayers. May God use me in ways that I never thought could be beneficial. Asking God to use you is the first step. He will bring everything together in His timing.
5. How can I combine all these things to create a greater love for God.
It's easy to talk about doing all these things; its much harder to actually do them. It's hard to practice, its hard to have the confidence when you need it, its hard to break bad habits. The first thing to do is pray. Pray for God to provide everything necessary to do His will. God loves you and He loves all people. He wants us all to know Him. He has a plan and we need to trust in that. He will provide us with all we need to bring others to Christ. It is not our doing but His. If we trust Him and are willing to do His work, He will provide us with all the opportunities necessary. Praying is important but its also important for us to be mindful of the gifts God has given us and to use them. We can't just sit around and wait... that is not how God works. We need to get to work and try to make these changes. One way I am trying to spread God's word is through this blog. I hope to be more constant with weekly blogs and to reach more people through it.
Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
It's not easy being a Christian. It's not easy doing God's will. If you decide to do a word or phrase of the year I hope you choose one that will challenge you to grow closer to God and do His will. I pray that, regardless, you ask yourself how Life or Death is impacting your life right now. Are you living your life for Christ? Are you open to God's will for your life? I pray that you constantly dedicate your time and spirit to Him. I, for one, will continue to use my phrase from last year and this year's phrase to grow closer to God and to do His will no matter what it is. God is with us and is guiding us
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
*Blessings*