Living for God

Living for God

When I look at what is happening in the world today, I cannot keep from seeing all the things that point me to the return of Christ. I believe that there are many things we are responsible to do to hasten the coming of the Lord, but I also believe that the Lord is putting all the pieces into place to usher in His return. With Christ’s return coming soon, the scripture tells us to live for God even more. As we live for Christ, others will be drawn to Him and live for Him also. Peter introduces this concept in 1 Peter 1 when he tells us to praise God for a living hope. “In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade (v. 3b-4a).” This hope in not wishful thinking; but instead, it is a firm conviction directed to a secure future. Because of what Christ did for us and because we have turned our lives over to Christ, we have, to quote the old song, “a home in heaven for sure.” The knowledge and hope that we have should cause us to live holy lives. “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”(1 Peter 1:15) Holy living will not come without sacrifice and even suffering. Never in the Word of God does it say that living the life that God intends for us would be the easy road. On the contrary, over and over the Word of God teaches us to endure suffering even while doing good. I know, from experience, that you will suffer even while doing good but what defines you is how you respond to the suffering. I think it is very interesting that Peter speaks about this in 1 Peter 3. “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have (3:13-15).” If you do not respond to your sufferings in a way that glorifies God, no one will ever see a need to ask you about your hope because they will not see the change in your life. This is why it is so important to live a life worthy of your calling. We have the ability to either turn someone to God or turn someone away from God. What is your choice? Are you going to live for God sharing your living hope or are you going to live for yourself? Choose you this day who you will serve.
Aaron Hodges