Monday, October 17, 2011

Life. In Christ.

Life is a form of insurance...a type of soap...a magazine.  But is that all it is?

Life is clothes, cars and lots of spending money...good grades, a starting position on the team and the lead role in the play...popularly and friends...things to do and places to go.

And yet, Jesus teaches: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  (Matt. 6:19)

Life is also the teenager who struggles in conflict with parents...the convenience store worker bored with the job...a husband, wife or parent who no longer finds joy in the vocation...the chronically ill who slide into depression and despair.

That's life?

Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.  (John 11:25-26)

That's Life.  In Christ.   I am the way and the truth and the life.  (John 14:6)

But what about the things I need? Do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?"  Your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  (Matt. 6:31-33)

But what about loneliness? I will never leave you or forsake you.  (Joshua 1:5)

But what about temptation? Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  (Gal. 5:24)

But what about the things I worry about? Cast all your care on Jesus, for He cares for you.  (1 Peter 5:7)

But what about all the ways I've messed up? If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  (1 John 1:9)

But what about death? Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.  (Psalm 23:4)

So, in Christ, we have life? Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.  (John 17:3)

That's life.  LIFE.  IN CHRIST!