Good morning everyone,
Our theme for this month: “A life of service”
Our Bible verse for today: “For me, living is Christ and dying is gain.” Philippians 1:21 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “How will you spend the rest of your life?”
The Apostle Paul was a man with a vision for his life. He knew what his purpose was. There was no doubt in his mind about how he wanted to spend the remaining days, weeks, months, and years of his life. He was a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and he was determined to serve Him and others well.
This was his passion. It was what got him out of bed in the morning and it is what kept him going all throughout the day. It’s what empowered him to persevere through tough circumstances, and he had a clear vision of the reward that waited for him at the end of life’s road. Let’s read some more of that passage from Philippians chapter one:
“Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ – which is far better – but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that, because of me, your confidence may grow in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.” Philippians 1:22-26
Paul knew that his place in heaven was assured and that it was going to be glorious, so he was eager to get there. But he was also fully aware of how the Lord was using his life to be a blessing to others. Paul could see it all around him everyday. God was using him to teach others, to encourage them in their own faith, and to help them grow as disciples of Jesus. God also used Paul to bless people in physical ways, such as healing them of sickness and even, on one occasion, raising a man from the dead. So Paul could see the fruit of his life in Christ and he found it rewarding and fulfilling. It was a life well-lived, and it was a life worth living.
In all probability you’re not the greatest evangelist the Christian church has ever known like Paul was. And you probably will never raise a person from the dead like Paul did. And yet, if you are committed to a life of service then God will use you in many, many ways to bless others and to bring glory to Him. As you witness for Christ, He will use your words and personal example to lead others to faith in Christ. As you offer words of encouragement to someone who is struggling with a difficult life issue, you will often see their spirits lifted. As you provide food to a hungry person, financial aid to a family going through a period of unemployment, or bless someone in any other way, your will see the results of it and you yourself will be encouraged.
You could choose to live the rest of your life focused on yourself and on your own wants, needs, and desires, but that would be selfish and shallow and it will eventually show itself to have been fairly meaningless. Or you could choose to spend your life in service to Christ and to others.
So, I ask you again, “How will you spend the rest of your life?” It’s actually a rhetorical question. The answer should be obvious. There’s great joy and fulfillment to be found as we serve the Lord and others in His name. I urge you to commit yourself to a life of service.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 