Whatever We Do

Reading: Ruth 1-2; Psalm 53, 61; 2 Corinthians 5 14 Whatever we do, it is because Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NLT) Paul’s encounter with the risen, living Christ had convinced him of this one thing: The God of the Universe has opened a way for anyone and everyone to enter and enjoy a rich relationship with himself. The way into that relationship is through simple faith in Jesus Christ. When Paul met Jesus, he dedicated his life to fully experiencing God’s love and to bringing others into God’s loving family, whoever and wherever they might be. No matter what happened, no matter how circumstances changed or people behaved, Paul was motivated by the love of Christ for himself and others – all others! It is my firm decision to live and work from this understanding:
• I know that God loves me as a father loves his child. That means he desires to provide for me, to help me grow and mature, and to guide me on a path that leads to the fulfillment of all I was created to be and to do.
• The journey will include joys and sorrows, successes and failures, gains and losses. Who I am becoming along the way is more important than what I accomplish or how far I go.
• It is my privilege to invite others to share this journey. Then I can encourage them and be encouraged by them as we travel together.
• If I will be willing and attentive, he will give me some to follow and others to influence and lead. I must keep my eyes and my heart open to special relationships with others. God intends none of us to make the journey alone! We won’t know what really matters if we fill our lives with things that don’t! Prayer: Father, Thank you for inviting me into a wonderful relationship with you and for making me part of the family. I am so grateful for this season of contemplation and clarification. Thanks for gently and firmly leading me to a better understanding of what really matters. Please keep on directing me toward the focused center. Amen.