He's Still Working On Us

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.

(Romans 14:8)

I used to live only for me. I loved my wife and kids and took care of them, but I was still living for my own selfish desires. I guess, looking at me, people would have considered me a good man, but on the inside, they probably wouldn’t have like me very much. My thoughts were very dark, and I held on to hatreds in my heart for people I considered enemies. I had a few friends, but I was constantly on guard against being hurt by them. It the truth be told, I didn’t really like most people back then.

When I was a teenager and then a twenty-something, I had no fear of death. I guess I thought I was immortal or something. I did some really stupid and dangerous things that could have had serious consequences, had there been a different ending. As I approached mid-life, I had two acquaintances who suddenly died without warning about a year apart. I became critically aware that life could be short, and my mortality became more evident to me. I started developing a healthy fear of death.

Since giving my heart to Christ, I live my life for him. He has taken all my mistrust and hatred for other people and replaced it with love and compassion. I have been given a new heart, a new life, and a new purpose to live for him. I have no more animosity towards anyone. I now feel relieved of the burden of always being on guard against being hurt. Now instead Even though I want to have a long and healthy life, I know my final destination when this life is over. I no longer fear the day when the Lord calls me home.

Living for yourself is not what God intended for us. He wants us to live for him and for each other. God is light, and he wants his light to shine through us for the world to see. He want us to love each other with our whole hearts and to see to each other’s needs. Sometimes all that’s required is an encouraging word. Other times it will require great physical labor. Sometimes, we might find ourselves in dangerous positions, such as mission work. Whatever happens, we belong to him. I will rejoice on that day when I go to be with the Lord.

Heavenly Father, we are not worthy of your grace and mercy. You are the mightiest being in the whole universe and could justly turn your back on us for our sinful behavior. And yet, you provide a path for our salvation with the cleansing blood of Jesus. You alone are faithful. Thank you, Lord, for all that you do for us even if we don’t understand what it is you’re doing. When we surrendered our lives to your will, you started us on a path to be the person you created us to be. Father God, we ask the Holy Spirit to mold us and shape us into that person. Please, keep doing that good work in us for the rest of our lives. We need you and your guidance every day, dear Lord. We know the final transformation will not be finished until that great and wonderful day when your Son returns. Help us to stay the course until then, Father. Keep us on the righteous path and forgive us when we stray. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen!