THE REST OF MY LIFE

"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." - John 9:4

A few years ago, I took time off from work to recover from minor surgery.  The recovery time gave me an opportunity to think & pray.  One thought came to me during my contemplation.  If averages hold out, I've lived over half of my life already.  That is a sobering thought.  Some would consider such a thought to be morbid, but it actually helped me to readjust my priorities for the remaining time I have left.

Realizing that over half of my life is gone, how do I want to live the rest of my life?  Many people have a "bucket list," which consists of items they wish to accomplish before they "kick the bucket."  That is not what I did.  Instead, I came up with seven goals that I wish to see fulfilled in my remaining days.  These goals are more character oriented rather than task oriented.  Over the next seven weeks, I want to share each of these goals and perhaps challenge you in the process.  I believe that all of us need to be intentional about the rest of our lives.

Jesus knew that He had limited time before He would die.  In John 9:4, Jesus gave us insight about the rest of His life.  In that verse, Jesus said, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."  Notice three things about Jesus' approach to the rest of His life.

1.  JESUS LIVED WITH PASSION

First of all, Jesus lived with passion.  Jesus said, "I must work the works..."  Notice the word, "must."  Jesus was passionate about the work He was to accomplish.  Jesus was neither lazy nor apathetic.  He knew the work He was to accomplish and refused to be distracted by other things.

I believe that God uses passionate people.  You show me a person that is sold out to the Lord & I'll show you someone that God will use mightily.  We put too much emphasis on education and not enough emphasis on surrender.  While education is a good thing, it can be a crutch that keeps a person from trusting & obeying God.  I believe our attitude should be similar to missionary David Brainerd, who wrote, "Lord, let me make a difference for You that is utterly disproportionate to who I am."  

Jesus lived with passion & so should we.  We have a limited time to live here on earth, so let's live it with enthusiasm!  Pastor Malachi O'Brien penned the following prayer:  "God give us a passion that is rare for the things closest to your heart and eternity."  That is a prayer that all of us should be praying! 

2.  JESUS LIVED WITH PURPOSE

Sadly, most people live as if their life-purpose is simply to go to work daily, watch TV in the evening & go to bed at night.  Instead of investing their lives, they are wasting their lives. 

Jesus didn't waste His life.  Instead, He came on a Divine mission.  Jesus said, "I must work the works of him that sent me."  In Mark 10:45, Jesus said, "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."  Jesus came on a mission and refused to be distracted from that mission.  His ultimate purpose was to go to the cross and die for our sins.  He gave His life so that we could live.  From a worldly point of view, the death of Jesus death was the culmination of what seemed to be a waste life.  However, when we understand His true mission, we know that Jesus fulfilled His purpose.  His death made it possible for millions of souls to be saved from hell.  Jesus is no longer dead.  He arose the third day & through His death and resurrection, eternal life is extended to those who believe.  Jesus did not waste His life & He doesn't want you to waste yours either.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to waste the rest of my life on trivial, temporal matters.  I want to invest my life in the things that bring eternal dividends.  Like Jesus, I want to live with purpose.  What about you?

3.  JESUS LIVED WITH PERSPECTIVE

Jesus was focused on doing the Father's will, "... while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."  Jesus lived with the perspective that His time was limited to get His mission accomplished.  The same is true for you and me.  The difference is, of course, that Jesus knew precisely how much time He had left before He would die while you & I don't have that knowledge about our own death. 

Ray Comfort wisely said, "Live everyday like it is your last day.  One day, you will be right." 

Some may argue that thinking of death is gruesome.  However, for the child of God, the inevitability of death is actually a glorious reality that we welcome.  The thought of death should cause us to focus on our purpose and live the right priorities in the time we have left.  Jesus had that kind of perspective.  He focused on His purpose and stayed faithful to His Father.  Shouldn't we do the same?

I don't know how much time I have left to live, but I do know that I want to live the rest of my life for the glory of God.  Let me challenge you to be like Jesus and live with passion, purpose and perspective.  At the Judgment Seat of Christ, you'll be glad you did!

SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT

"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." - Revelation 22:12

I admit that I am bothered about many things these days.  Political upheaval, racial unrest, violence, substance abuse and judicial rulings have many Americans stirred up.  It is troubling to see riots in the streets and people behaving so irresponsibly. 

On social media, there are passionate postings about personal views on these subjects.  While every American has the right to express themselves, I can't help but wonder why so many of my Christian friends on Facebook write more about their political views than about Jesus.  If you look at their Facebook wall, it is obvious where they stand on a number of issues, but spiritual content is rare to find.  It seems like they are more passionate about politics than they are about the Lord.

With all of the events going on in our world, I fear that many are missing the big picture. You see, any serious student of the Bible can recognize that Bible prophecy is unfolding before our very eyes. 

In the final book of the Bible, our Lord said, "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."  While many fuss and fume over politics & others zealously debate the issues of healthcare and the economy, the true followers of Jesus should be passionate about His soon return.  That is something to get excited about!

As we ponder the words of our Lord, we learn two important facts:

1.  JESUS IS RETURNING QUICKLY

Jesus said, "... behold, I come quickly..."  Jesus is returning in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.  When He comes, it will be too late to prepare.  Most individuals will not expect his return.  Despite the relevance of current events, most are oblivious to the spiritual implications.  For those of us who follow Christ, we should be excited that the Lord's return is at hand.

Just as a bride looks forward with great anticipation to her wedding day, the Bride of Christ should be looking for the return of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.  The wedding of the Lamb is at hand!

2.  JESUS IS COMING TO REWARD US

Our Lord's return includes a time of reward.  Our stewardship will be examined and rewarded.  Notice that Jesus used the word, "reward," in the singular form:  "... my reward is with me."  In this verse, Jesus doesn't specify what this reward will be.  From other passages, we know that crowns will be given one day. 

As we look with anticipation for His return, we should also be focused upon our stewardship.  Let us be busy working in His vineyard as we await His arrival.  There is much to do in the little time that remains.  Many souls need Jesus.  Many saints need help & encouragement.  Let's get busy in the Name of the Lord! 

Realizing that Jesus is coming very soon & He will reward our stewardship, we should heed the Apostle Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 15:58:  "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

For the child of God, the Lord's return will not be a sad occasion, but a glorious event ... and it may happen any moment.

That's something to get excited about!

WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." - Jude v. 24-25

During a typical year, accolades are given to highly successful athletes, actors and musicians.  It is not uncommon to turn the TV on & see an awards show of some kind being broadcast.

It is interesting to go back and research the archives and learn who won awards in previous decades.  Some of the award winners had short-term success & have since become unknown to most Americans.  It is a sobering reminder that success is fleeting.

There is One who has received praise in the past and will continue to receive it in the future.  He is the only One truly deserving of praise.  Most in our society today reject Him, yet their rejection does not diminish His worthiness.  He is worthy of our praise.  Although many wish to disregard Him, God is deserving of our highest praise. 

Presently at my church, I am preaching verse-by-verse through the New Testament book of Jude.  Jude concludes his epistle with a rousing climax:  "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."  These two verses constitute shouting material for the Spirit-filled believer.  Let's look at three things these verses reveal.

1.  PRESERVATION

First of all, we learn about the saint's preservation.  Jude wrote, "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling..."  It is an exciting thought that we are kept by the power of God.  While our nation offers social security, God offers His people spiritual security.  Social security is limited, but God's security is endless.  This should cause us to rejoice!  My preservation is in His hands and not my own.  Allstate Insurance advertises that, "you are in good hands with Allstate."  There's better help than that!  You're in good hands when you're in God's hands!  In John 10:27-28, Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."  We're in secure hands because the Lord is protecting us!

2.  PRESENTATION

Secondly, Jude reveals a future presentation.  One day the Lord will "present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy."  We will never be perfect in this life, but one day the Lord will present us faultless.  He has a lot of work to do on me, what about you? 

Furthermore, we'll be presented faultless before the presence of His glory.  What an amazing thought!  We will be on display amid the splendor of His glory.  Notice that He will do it with great joy!  He will have great joy in presenting us on that day.  We, who've been changed by His amazing grace, will be a joy to Him!  That leads us back to where we started ... His praise!

3.  PRAISE

After such stirring insight, Jude concludes with a fitting doxology:  "To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."  Our awesome Savior deserves such a glorious tribute!  He will deserve our praise throughout eternity in heaven ... and yet He deserves our praise right now.  We have reason to rejoice and give Him praise.  Because of love, He chose us.  Through His mercy, He purchased us.  By His grace, He saved us.  With His power, He sustains us.  Ultimately, He will transform us into His likeness.  When you consider all He has done, is doing and will do in & through your life, it should make you want to shout & sing!

He is worthy of our praise!!!!

GOOD & EVIL

"Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." - 3 John 11

It is amazing that people tend to overlook major character flaws.  Sometimes good Christian girls ignore obvious faults in the boys they date.  Christian businessmen can disregard evident faults in those that they partner with.  Believers can support politicians with blind faith, choosing to overlook glaring defects.  When we choose to overlook the major character flaws of those we wish to align ourselves with, we do so to our own peril.

When John wrote his third epistle, he cautioned his readers, "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good."  It is important who and what we follow.  Jesus once told a rich young ruler that there is only One who is good & that is God.  If we are to follow what is good, we must follow the Lord.

As born again believers, we should live and walk by faith.  This is not a faith that has no foundation.  Many have followed cult leaders & it ended up costing them their lives.  There is a major difference between following a cult & following Christ.  A cult is deceitful and deadly.  Christ spoke truth and offers life.

As we follow Christ, we must be careful about the amount of confidence we place in others.  Paul instructed believers not to put confidence in the flesh.  Our allegiance belongs to God.  Although we should live under the authority of those who lead us, we must be discerning about the things they teach and our response to their leadership.

While we should avoid all forms of falsehood and sin, we must aggressively seek the things that are good.  We are not accountable for the errors of others but we are accountable for our own decisions and deeds. 

When Christ indwells a man, the internal work of the Spirit will manifest outward fruit.  When the good, gracious Lord resides within a man, good fruit will be obvious.  Evil fruit is the result of an evil heart --- an unregenerate heart.  That's why John wrote, "He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."

It is important to study the fruit of those you entrust to lead you.  It is far more important to examine your own fruit. 

Although good works will never save you, a life of good fruit is a good indication of a good work that Christ has performed within you. 

It is possible to look at others through rose-colored glasses, but it is even more deceptive when you look at yourself that way.  An honest appraisal may keep you from eternal ruin.  If your life has manifested evil fruit, it is time to repent and diligently seek the mercy and grace of God.

The Psalmist wrote, "Depart from evil and do good."  Instead of following the wrong crowd to the wrong destination, turn around and start following the only One who offers eternal life.

You can never go wrong when you follow the One who is always right.

WALKING IN TRUTH

"I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father." - 2 John 4

Most teenagers drop out of church after they graduate high school.  That fact concerns me greatly.  Many youth leaders agonize over the teenage dropout rate.  Although young people are taught Biblical truth at their local church, worldly distractions tend to lure them away as they enter adulthood. 

I think there are a number of reasons for the teenage dropout in most churches.  First and foremost, most of these teenagers never experience genuine salvation for themselves.  Sure, they may be led to make an emotional decision, but that is not necessarily a new birth experience.  Secondly, many young people grow up without parental spiritual guidance.  Sadly, many of them only receive spiritual influence at church.  When parents fail to embrace Christ themselves & model Christianity before their children, it deeply brings negative consequences.  Third, some teenagers confuse love for their parents (or grandparents) with love for Christ.  Instead of having their own faith, they tend to ride the coattails of their parents or grandparents.  This leads to a shallow and temporary religious experience.

It is rare to see a young person be born again and then live a godly, fruitful Christian life deep into adulthood.  Metaphorically, John looked upon converts as being like spiritual children.  In verse 4 of his tiny second epistle, John wrote, "I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father." 

It is one thing to talk about truth, but it is even more valuable to walk in truth.  A life of consistent obedience to God is rare these days, even among adults.  While it is easy to point the finger at teenagers, we must ask ourselves the question:  Am I walking in truth?

As we try to answer that question, I want you to ponder a few thoughts.

1.  WE MUST KNOW THE TRUTH

In order for us to walk in truth, we must know the truth.  It is not enough to merely know about the truth, we must personally value and embrace the truth.  Keep in mind three things about the truth.

First of all, Jesus is the person of truth.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life."  You must know Jesus Christ personally through the new birth.  Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free."  When you walk with Jesus, you're walking in truth.  When you walk with Him, you're walking in freedom.

Secondly, the Bible is the precept of truth.  Jesus said, "Sanctify them through the truth; thy word is truth."  We walk in truth when we believe and read the Word of God.  The Word should order our steps.

Finally, the Spirit of God is the power of truth.  In John 16:13, Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth.  A man who walks in the Spirit is walking in truth.

2.  WE MUST OBEY THE TRUTH

Knowing the truth and obeying the truth are not always synonymous, but they should be.  Our obedience is an outward sign of an inward change.  As we walk in obedience to God, it will give evidence to others that we are walking in truth. 

3.  WE MUST STAY WITH THE TRUTH

Our society is aggressively pulling at believers to depart from truth.  Most in our society reject truth.  They reject the principle of truth because acknowledging truth will force them to be accountable to a higher power for their actions.  Most individuals want to be free from accountability.  However, their rejection of truth does not eliminate personal responsibility. 

Although the unbelieving world wishes to pull us away from truth, we need to stand firm on the truth.  Our concept of truth is not based upon popularity polls, political fads or the latest news headline.  Our understanding of truth is based upon the unchanging message of an unchanging Savior, Jesus Christ.  Truth will stand when all else fails.

As a minister of the Gospel, I find it encouraging, noticing people walk in truth, regardless of their age.  As our post-modern society distances itself further and further from the truth, we need to remain steadfast in the faith.  

Believe the truth.  Obey the truth.  Defend the truth. Live the truth.  That's how you walk in truth.

AMERICAN IDOLS

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." - 1 John 5:21

When I was a young Christian, I thought it was ridiculous that Israel would forsake God and worship hand-carved idols.  How foolish could they be!  I thought it was unthinkable that people could see God's miracle-working power & yet turn from Him to serve self-created gods.

Now as a more-mature believer, I see the same scenario unfolding around me.  Americans worship idols, they're just not the same kind of idols that Israel worshiped. 

Pastor Johnny Hunt once defined an idol as a God substitute.  Americans have many God-substitutes.  Consider just a few of the American idols that are worship consistently in our land.

1.  THE IDOL OF FINANCE

First of all, there are some who worship money.  The almighty dollar has consumed many people.  The Bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil.  Jesus said that you couldn't serve God and money. There are many who have made wealth their idol.

2.  THE IDOL OF FAME

Others have made an idol of themselves.  Instead of living for the glory of God, they live for their own glory.  Here's the irony:  some work hard to be seen and known & when they become famous they want avoid the spotlight.  If you try to focus the spotlight on yourself rather than God, you've made yourself an idol.

3.  THE IDOL OF FUN

Americans love to have a good time, often in excess.  Some pursue fun to the extent that they harm themselves and others.  Some forms of fun seem innocent, such as hunting or fishing.  Yet it is possible for a hobby to turn into an idol.  Football is a major idol in America.  Have you noticed how they schedule ballgames to interfere with church time?  Furthermore, there are church members who are more faithful to attend a college football game than their own church.  People tend to more zealous in their vocal support of their team than Jesus.  Football, basketball, hockey, NASCAR, and baseball are popular American idols. 

4.  THE IDOL OF FAMILY

Finally, too many have made an idol of their family.  It is not possible to love your family too much, but it is possible to make your spouse or children idols.  It is not uncommon for church members to stay home on Sunday so they can entertain family.  Others willfully disobey God because their love for family is greater than their love for Jesus.  When this occurs, you can be sure family has become an idol.

So what should we do about the idols in our lives?  John answered this question in the conclusion of his first epistle.  John wrote, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."  Keeping yourself free of idols should be our goal.  It requires a great deal of diligence.

Idols creep into our lives so easily, though.  How does a person get free from an existing idol?  First, recognize the idol.  It is important to properly identify the idol.  Secondly, repent of your idolatry.  Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of behavior.  You must change your mind about your affection for the idol & its priority in your life.  Next, remove all forms of idolatry from your heart.  Finally, return to your first love, Jesus. 

The old hymn is right when it invites people,

"Kneel at the cross, give your idols up,

Look unto realms above."

Yes, there are many American idols.  Yet the Lord Himself should be the only One to occupy the throne of your heart.  It is one thing to call Him Lord of your life; it is another thing for Him to actually reign as Lord of your life.  

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."

LIVING IN LIGHT OF ETERNITY

"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?" - 2 Peter 3:11-12

We tend to hold our possessions too tightly.  We act as if we will live forever here on earth.  As a result, we have wrong priorities.

Think about it for a moment.  One hundred years from now, if this world continues on, someone else will either inhabit the house you live in or it will be gone.  Fifty years from now, the property you own will belong to someone else.  Just twenty years from now, your car will probably be demolished and used for scrap metal. 

Ultimately, this world will undergo changes as a result of God's judgment.  The fact of this impending judgment should clear our minds and sharpen our focus.  The Apostle Peter stated it this way, "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?"  Global warming will occur ... and God will cause it to happen.

Realizing that time is running out and judgment is coming, we should consider two things:

1.  THE FUTUILITY OF EARTHLY THINGS

First of all, we need to properly understand the futility of earthly things.  Everything on earth is temporary.  Your career is temporary.  Your fishing boat is temporary.  Your IRA is temporary.  One day it will all go up in smoke.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote, "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."  Most humans have not grasped the truth that Paul shared in this verse.  We are so focused on the visible things that eternal matters pass us by.  The visible things, such as buildings, automobiles & expensive toys are all temporal.  One day they will be gone.  Yet we zealously live for these things, failing to recognize that these possessions will soon pass away.  On the other hand, we woefully neglect eternal matters ... things that really matter most.

A great example of this is work.  It is not wrong to work.  In fact, we are expected to work.  The Bible commends work.  However, you need to have the right perspective.  Your job should not be your life.  Like it or not, you are a temporary employee.  Someday either the job will end or you will leave it.  Far too many people live and breathe work.  Their job consumes them.  One day they wake up to find that their children are grown and the spouse is like a stranger.  When we treat the temporal things like they are eternal & eternal things like they are temporal, we ultimately pay a steep price.

Everything on earth is temporary.  Act like it.  Live like it.

2.  THE FINALITY OF ETERNAL THINGS

I know that many will consider my thoughts to be morbid and fatalistic.  The fact is that life on earth is temporary.  The Bible teaches that there are eternal things.  You will either spend eternity in heaven with God or, regrettably, in hell.  Too many live like the devil but hope for heaven by and by.  They live selfishly, to the neglect of their own souls.  Only faith in Christ can change a person's heart and give them access to heaven. 

When we comprehend the truth that one day everything we see will burn, it should cause us to live soberly, living with eternity in mind.

It is possible to have your feet on the earth and your heart in heaven.  You can live for God in the here-and-now and long for heaven in the hereafter.  As Christians, we are just strangers and pilgrims here.  We are ambassadors for Christ, stationed in this foreign land to aid our fellow brethren.  Although we are stationed here on earth, our citizenship is in heaven.  We long to be called home from this assignment.

When I see our world get so violent and wicked, I am reminded that this is not my home.  Furthermore, when I feel the aches and pains of my body worsen with age, I am comforted that I don't have to dwell in this body forever.  Very soon I'll have a better body & I'll be living in a better country. 

It is easy to get distracted by the temporal things of this world.  That is why we need to read the Bible daily, pray and fellowship with other believers consistently.  These things help us to keep focused on the things that matter most. 

While we live, work and enjoy life in this temporal land, we need to keep our faith focused on eternal matters, things that are unseen.  We need to invest in eternal matters.  They pay eternal dividends. 

We need to live with eternity in mind.