On-Site Savior

Ever had the frustration of working for a boss who was never around? One who gave a lot of directives, but was clueless about the realities of the job? God has given us a lot of direction for life - 66 books of the Bible to point the way - but he’s not ignorant of the challenges we face, or occupied somewhere else in the universe. He’s an on-site Savior.

When Jesus literally left paradise to come down to earth, it was no easy deal. Becoming human, with all its heartache, sickness, and trouble, was a costly endeavor. He subjected himself to the temptations and frustrations of daily life:

In Christ, we have a God who became like us. He knows the struggle. We have an example of how to stand against temptation, and defeat it. (Luke 4:1-13; Mark 14:32-36)

Beyond this, we have a God who is fully present with us: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (1 John 4:9-15)  Before his death, Jesus prayed this beautiful prayer for those who would believe his message of salvation, passed down from the apostles to us through the centuries:

God lives in and with every believer - ready to comfort, help, guide, teach, empower... and love. We have all the fullness of life we need in him. (John 10:10)  Don't miss it -  God is with you. Are you with him? Does he have your attention and conversation throughout the day? Are you seeking his help and direction in the moment you need it? As Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Do you hear him when he nudges you to love someone in a specific way? He's an on-site savior to walk with you through the journey of life. Let’s enjoy being with him, and spread his love around.

A Useful Life

What is the outcome of all the time and energy we spend in life? Is it meaningful for a moment, a little while, or a little while longer? Is it meaningful at all? When you reach the end of your earthly journey, what will your life yield?

Each of us has the opportunity to connect with a purpose greater than ourselves. God has specifically chosen the place and time in which we live, and granted a season (a lifetime) for us to do all he intends. (Acts 17:26; Psalm 139:13-16; Ephesians 2:10 NIV) We aren’t made to pour all that we have and all that we are into marriage, kids, career, a white picket fence and a nice retirement account. There’s a larger story of God that we’re all called into. We’re not meant to live for ourselves - we’re made for noble purposes.

So, how can our lives be cleansed of living for the mundane, for the wrong things? We give ourselves to God. Say yes to him, and whatever plans he has for your life. If you don’t know him, receive his free gift of salvation in Christ. (Romans 4:4-8, 23-25; 6:23) The “...blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, [will] cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” (Hebrews 9:14)

In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul urges the younger believer Timothy to take this message of God’s salvation and share it, even though it would cost him persecution. (2 Timothy 1:8) While many of us don’t face circumstances this severe, we’re still called to follow Christ on his mission “...to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10) We’re here to build an eternal, spiritual kingdom, not our own, earthly one. Is your life truly centered around this mission, or something far less significant? When I help someone gain eternal life, I know my time counts.

Paul also tells Timothy to “...pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22b) When our lives are dedicated to walking with God, living his way, and serving others by helping where we can, there’s a richness and fullness to life that can’t be found by serving yourself. You’re made for noble purposes - get busy living! (1 Corinthians 3:1-15)

For more encouragement, visit my blog, "The Word Works": www.kristinspann02.wix.com/spring1