What are you holding on to?
For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8
Do you ever find yourself clinging to life here in the world? Holding on so tightly that you would do anything not to lose it? Certainly, I’m not implying that we shouldn’t value the life we have, but it must be held in perspective. This life is temporary, this life is short, and this life is fading. Yet how easy it is to attach yourself to it as though it were the only thing you will ever experience.
I find myself struggling at times to pry myself away from the cares of the world to sit quietly and write about God’s Word and love each day. An activity that should be easily prioritized sometimes takes all my efforts to get there. Why? Sometimes I literally feel so connected to what this world has to offer that I have to tare my spirit away from the thoughts and pressures of it. These day-to-day activities and tasks become so deeply ingrained into my being that I have to forcibly separate to become mentally prepared.
Today’s key verse helps put all of life into an eternal perspective. It says: When we are living life in day-to-day activities, we belong to the Lord. If we are dying and preparing to leave this world, we are dying to be with the Lord. So, whether we are living or dying, we belong to the Lord. So simple. If only we could keep this mentality every day that we are here in this world. It just isn’t worth all the worrying and striving with others and circumstances because we are the Lord’s. He has what is best for us in His heart and mind. All we need to do is ask, listen and the follow. He knows the way.
This reminds me of another passage that Paul wrote to the Christians at Philippi. He said: “for me to live is to Christ’s benefit and to die and be with Him is to my benefit. (see Phil. 1:21) Paul knew that the only thing that mattered in this life was to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading and when He was finished with that, He would gain his eternal life away from the suffering and shame of this earth.
Today I want to encourage you that you belong to the Lord Jesus and that is all that matters in this world. Talk to Him today about His plan for you to impact lives around you. Listen to what He speaks to your heart and who He brings to your thoughts to reach out to and encourage in some way. Then do it. Follow the example He gave when He was here in the world loving those around Him and bless all people that He leads you too today.
Today’s scripture reading: Romans 14:5-13
The Daily Dose 