Sermon On Living The Life

Roy T. Bennett, the author of “The Light In The Heart,” once remarked: “Don't let the expectations and opinions of other people affect your decisions. It's your life, not theirs. Do what matters most to you; do what makes you feel alive and happy. Don't let the expectations and ideas of others limit who you are. If you let others tell you who you are, you are living their reality - not yours. There is more to life than pleasing people. There is much more to life than following others' prescribed path. There is so much more to life than what you experience right now. You need to decide who you are for yourself. Become a whole being. Adventure.” Romans 14:8 confirms: “For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.”

Living the life might be regarded as: taking it firmly by the horns, embracing it with an open mind, and performing the constructional intentions of making the most of opportunities, despite the many obstacles or difficulties that consistently present themselves. It could include grasping or searching for a self-identity, who we are or what we can become. Everyone is individualistic and has their own special gifts or talents to offer society, whatever these may be. Self-identity creates a sense of belonging with a definitive purpose. It is essential for our well-being. It creates awareness and gives confidence in new or vulnerable situations. 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

In both childhood and adult life, it is good and beneficial for us to be guided by God. He will lead us along a purposeful road. That can be productive and provide satisfaction or reassurance. It can illuminate the cobbled pathway ahead. However, it is not always considered so advantageous if direction is dominated continually just by our fellow man on Earth. Children need guidance to essentially learn and avoid the pitfalls of life, it is necessary for knowledge and safety, but if that counseling continues into adult life and becomes a dominant factor from whoever, some may end up living the life of another.

They could forsake their own experiences and actions in favor of obedience to mankind, rather than God. We need to seek and explore for ourselves. Freedom of choice is essential. It allows us to think and ascertain a road to follow, even if sometimes, it may be the wrong one. That is the astute learning curve of life. It teaches us that we are not perfect and can make mistakes. However, hopefully, it also provides an element of wisdom on which to base future actions. Romans 13:4 reminds us: “For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.”

Everyone makes mistakes in life, it is a fundamental element that most will usually encroach upon. We may mistakenly accept the personal words of another as truth, only to find that an invoked fear of reprisals, or other prevalent matters, prevents them from confirming or supporting suggested deeds or actions at a later stage. We may suddenly find that we are left all alone to defend ourselves. It could even be seen as a betrayal. This may inflict both mental or physical pain. John 18:1-9 explains: “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.

Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.”

The core of life reveals that suffering, pain and hardship, are unfortunately ever-present. Its epicenter opposes good and consistently reminds us of the needless and unwarranted environments that still exist. However, they can serve a hidden purpose, or God would not allow them. Some doubters might ask: “If God is a loving Father, why does He permit so many atrocities to occur?” The answer might be: that it reminds others to be grateful for the fortunes that they have been graciously given. It provokes a deeper respect for the providence of life. Galatians 2:21 confirms: “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” Jesus’s life was given for a specific purpose and predestined by the will of God. Knowing His destiny and the fulfillment required, Jesus accepted it and allowed certain events to happen, which ultimately led to His suffering on the cross for the redemption of our sins. Even though He would suffer pain and humiliation in this specific ordeal, it shows, that with the help of God, He would be able to endure it. It reminds us that we also, can endure an element of personal suffering, that even though it may be considered as solitary, or unnecessary, it could be intended for the specific benefit of another, assuring the future glory of living in eternity with God. 1 Peter 5:10 confirms: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”