Saturday, April 23, 2011

To live is Christ, to die is gain!



There are billboards up in the Dominican Republic and all over the world right now saying that Christ is returning May 21st.  There are folks concerned the world is coming to an end because the Mayan Calendar ends in 2012. 

Let's just pretend that we KNEW when our last breath on Earth would be.  Of course the Bible says that no one knows when Christ will return.  It will be like a thief in the night.  But God does know when and how you and I will end this life on Earth as we know it.  Whether death or the return of Christ, we all will face God.  If we knew the timeline, how would we live our last days?  Would we go on as we did today? 

I don't know about you but if you are like me, I wasted some time today.  I messed up several times, was selfish, and lazy.  If I were to walk off the planet today, I would not feel like I finished the race strong.  I know the Father would still embrace me with loving arms and declare I am His but...hmm.  I know there are no tears in Heaven (so not sure I will have regrets) but there are rewards.  Would I get one for today?  What can I offer Christ in return for giving His life?

If asked why Jesus came to Earth most of us would say He came to die for our sins.  But He also LIVED!  Why was he born on December 25th, die December 26th, then 3 days later come back to life? Why did He have to live 33 years to complete His mission? It must have been important for Him to live. I wonder though...  What if Jesus lived his first 32 years of life like I lived mine.What if He was lazy. What if He lived for Himself? What if He didn't hang with nasty people who were less than Him but only people He was comfortable with.  What if He didn't leave home and just was a Carpenter until time to die.  No miracles, no disciples, no sermons...just a easy life.  He must have known when His last days were, He was fully God.  Why didn't He just relax until it was about time to go to the cross.  Sounds dumb but that is how we live isn't it. I've heard folks say that they don't want to "get religion until they get older." We wait to get serious about our life with Jesus and serving Him until we get news that Christ is returning or a bad report from the doctor. 

Some of my friends here are concerned about the May 21st date.  Of course, we cannot add to our salvation.  It was completed by Jesus 100%  but we will be held accountable for how we lived and used the gifts the Holy Spirit has equipped us with.  So how would you live today over if you knew it was your last?

I know I would have spent a lot more time with the Father and people who need Christ.  I would be spending time making sure Jamie and Elliott knew Christ and were committed to living ALL their days with Him...not messing around with Face book, working overtime, dumb TV shows, sports,or hobbies...I would give it ALL to living with intentionality.  I would spend time with Brian and tell him how much he means to me.  I would make amends with anyone I needed to ask forgiveness to. I'd be giving away my "stuff" to folks who need it.  I would share the good news of Jesus with as many people that would listen.  I would encourage my sisters and brothers in Christ to RUN HARD THE RACE AND FINISH STRONG!!!

So with that said...starting now, what would you do different?  I wonder if you and I will commit to take up a challenge and live the last week of April and the month of May as if  Jesus was coming May 21st!  What would your mission field look like?