Wholehearted Living - Part 4
I was recently reflecting on headstones – you know, the ones that you find marking a grave in a cemetery. Before I lose you in wondering why in the world I would be thinking on such things, let me focus you in on the specific part I was meditating on. Namely, the dates that represent the day you were born into this world and the day you died. But it wasn’t the dates that drew my attention but, rather, the “dash” between the two, and what that simple short line encompassed – the whole of a life.
As I thought of this, I came to realize again how significant that little dash is because, in all of its simpleness, it embodies the life that one lived which, in turn, begs the questions, “What is the lasting effect of that life? How did this person’s life impact the world? What from this life will stand the test of time?” If you are like me, you want to live a life that is remembered and that meant something. So what does this look like, and what should be my “aim” in life that will make my life, my dash, noteworthy to all who are touched by it?
While the Lord continues to show and grow me in my knowledge that speaks into these questions, I do believe Paul gives us some insight into having a life of significance here in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-20. What we see in his words are two aspects of a life of impact that will stand the test of time – the first being the heart of true lover of God’s people, and the second being the outworking of that love in and through such a one’s life.
We see the heart of a true lover of God’s people in how Paul expresses his care for, burden for, and love of the Thessalonians. As a nursing mother cherishes her own child, hearts ever directed toward them, endeavoring to be with them face to face… as a loving father toiling and laboring in their presence so as to not be a burden upon them, desiring to be an example of one who had a burden for all people through not needing to take anything from them, exhorting, comforting, charging, and encouraging them.
This love he had for them worked itself out through how he behaved among them as an example; loving, living above reproach, hardworking, believing in them, exhorting and encouraging them, comforting them in their struggles and hurts, praying for them, giving them the full counsel of the word of God, and encouraging them to have a walk worthy of the gospel.
As Paul saw it – and this is so beautiful – the Thessalonicans were truly his hope of, joy of, and/or crown of rejoicing… in other words, Paul selflessly laid down his life before them that they may know Christ and be found in Him, and that truly was what he saw as an ultimate reason of rejoicing for himself! How unlike the world we live in today, that is so me centered…. And what a challenge to me to continue to pour into the lives of others, trusting the Lord to meet my needs as I focus on doing His will in my life.
Til’ next time… be poured out on God’s behalf in the lives of others!
Abiding in Christ 1:1
This past Sunday, the church we attend – Veneration Church – launched a 16-month journey on what it means to abide in Christ, and to abide in Him in such a way that we can experience the fullness of joy in the here and now. I was blessed when they asked me to be a part of producing the journals for the series. As I take this journey with the church, I will be posting a weekly blog off of one of the verses we will be focusing on during that week, hence the number in the title (Month 1 : Week 1). Okay, let’s dive in…
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Look To The REAL Force
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The Ultimate Resolution – Part Two
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The Ultimate Resolution – Part One
It’s that time of the year where, having made our new years resolutions, we are able to take stock as to whether we are still on track with keeping them and, frankly, whether our resolutions had the greatest value in our lives for the upcoming year and beyond...
Believer or Disciple?
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Keep Running, Fulfill Your Calling, Press On!
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