One Life – June 29, 2008
Do you believe you were born for such a time as this? Look what’s happening in our world today… It’s hard to believe that 2008 is already half over. How have you spent your life so far in 2008? Has it been a waste? Have you gotten a good return on the investment of your life so far this year? “Life is too precious to waste”. Eph, 5:15-17, “Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.”
I want to share just two thoughts with you this morning as you prepare yourself for the second half of 2008. I want to encourage you to focus on these two statements:
1. You only have One Life to Live: We have been given a set amount of time to live and then we’re called home. What will you do with your life? What matters most? Family, Security, finances? In truth, what matters most in this life is what we do for God. In fact, I would venture to say, the appropriate question to be addressed should be: What would God want for and from my life? Simple question, right? Well, at least it’s a simple answer... He wants my whole life. God wants all of you. You see, even 99% falls short of the 100% that God DEMANDS.
It is God’s right to demand total loyalty, submission, surrender, etc... How much does God want of you? He wants all of you. Romans 6:13 says, Give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God. Can I put it this way, "He gave you new life, so, either the new life you received from Christ is worth it or its not. You decide."
Can I give you a proverb to live by, "Don’t waste your life on things that just don’t matter. You only have one life to live – live to its fullest (the full expression of God’s character, purpose and majesty)."
Paul said “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” - Philippians 3:7
Paul came to a place where his life was found, settled, and defined in and by the life of Christ. For Paul, as well as for each of us. it is a sacrificial life; however, I want you to know that it is also a life of freedom, purpose, and meaning. Let God take full control and see His life lived fully through you.
We only have one life to live – how will we choose to live it? Who will we choose to live it for? You only have two choices: Yourself – Or God.
One day, Jesus said to a man, “Follow me” and he said, “Okay, I will follow you. But Lord, let me, first, go take care of some things I’ve got to take care of”. Now think about this, You can’t say “Lord” and “me first” at the same time. If you’re saying “me first”, He’s not your Lord. He’s not in charge. He’s not No. 1. So, you have to decide who’s going to be Lord in your life – you, or God? Is it going to be God first, or me first?
Let me ask you a question – where are you saying to God, “me first”? Where are you saying, “God, I’ll live for you, but let me first let me... The reality is, "If God isn’t given first place over all areas of your life, then don’t call Him Lord at all over your life." God is not interested in playing second fiddle!
Proverbs 3:6 – “In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” Folks, it can’t get any more clear than this... “in everything you do, put God first”. Is He first? Here’s a way you can check, ask your spouse... ask your kids... ask your parents... ask your neighbors... ask your co-workers...
My first thought today is simply: “You only have one life to live.” My second thought is:
2. You only have One Life to Give (Make the most out of every opportunity)
Broken & Spent – that’s what I want to do with my life. I don’t want to leave anything on the table. (Use personal example here) My life is poured out – there is nothing left for me (all for God) – SACRIFICE.
Look at Rom 12:1. Now listen, it was a high price for Jesus to die for you and it’s going to cost you to live for Him. But He deserves it, because of the Cross, you will live forever – you owe Him your life.
God says – be a living sacrifice – give up what you think is your rights and live a life that pleases God. It is giving up everything – no matter the amount – no matter the cost – WHY? – because being a living sacrifice pleases God. Show me a person who has a heart of sacrifice and I’ll show you someone who pleases God.
You see, when you are willing to sacrifice you reveal your dependence on God. Even when you feel that you have nothing – In Luke 21:1-2 we are told the story of the widow’s mite – what made her gift so special, so significant? She gave what? All she had...
Are you ready to give your all to the Lord? Are you ready to live your life wholly/completely for the Lord? You only have one life to live – and you have been given that life to give. Don’t waste your life – spend it on something that is worthy.
“…Make the most out of every opportunity…”
This video clip is from the movie ‘Lord of the Rings’. In it, Frodo has been charged with a very great task. He knows this mission might very well cost him his life. He must leave every peace and comfort behind. All known security gone. He is standing on the brink of decision - a decision that will change the very course of his life. Will he live for himself or for the greater call – the call that will change the world?
Video clip – START @ scene 46
STOP @ 13009
You see, you are the dot on God’s timeline. Do you understand this? This is your moment. You only get one shot. Then, the dot goes to another generation. Church, we don’t have time to mess around playing games with God. God, in His kindness, is giving all of us time – to change the course of our lives. To pour out what we have kept in reserve for ourselves. To surrender what we have been so carefully guarding and to live His dreams for our lives truly believing they are better and greater than our own! Folks, this is it, we’re on and it’s the only shot we will get.
