A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of speaking at a week of camp for middle school church kids. On the night before the last one of the week some of the students received a call that a friend from back home had been killed in a swimming accident. They were devastated. The next day, as I was preparing the message for the evening, I was chatting with Dave, the leader of the worship band. I told him that I was thinking of asking something like "If you were to die tonight, do you know where you would go?" Dave said that it wasn't a bad strategy but wondered if it would be more effective to ask "What if you were to live tomorrow?" I spent the rest of the day walking around the camp thinking and praying about that question. And that night when I asked that question to the students as part of the invitation to give their lives or rededicate to Christ about 95% of them came forward. The next morning we had a short service before about 20 kids were baptized in the camp swimming pool. Here are some of the thoughts I shared with them which I believe can apply to us as we experience the weeks after Resurrection Sunday:
Live the life!
Ephesians 4:1-6 says,
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentile; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Not a whole lot needs to be said about this one, let's just not forget that as it says in Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
I am convinced that if we keep this mind it can be a life changer.
Hang out!
Hebrews 10:24-25:
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the day approaching.
It's God's plan that we be the body of Christ. He designed it that way for a reason. Church services and small-group Bible studies are to be interactive. Don't get me wrong, going to church or Bible study does not save you, but in these settings we are able to meet as a collective body to encourage and build each other up. I can't even begin to tell you how talking with other believers and sharing what I've struggled with has changed my life and brought me closer to God. Can we have a relationship with God without meeting with a body? Yes, but I am convinced that it will be one of much less power and effectiveness. So I encourage you, find a fellowship of believers where you feel that you can best fit as a member of the body of Christ.
Show Some Love
Before Jesus was crucified he shared a new commandment with his disciples, one that applies to us today.
John 13: 34-35
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
There are many more things I could say on this subject, but super-long blogs don't usually get read to the end. So the last thing I'll say is pray. The Lord will direct your step.
The comment section would be a cool place for you to share your thoughts or encouragements on this subject with others. God bless y'all!
Well said Jimmy! Its good to keep these thoughts in mind even after the Easter Season.
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