Loving Life by Moni

Some time ago I had the fun opportunity of having lunch with two special friends. Each of these ladies have faithfully served God in their individual callings. Although we are all different, each one has the richness and evidence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. During our meal we discussed the practical truths that God has penetrated into each heart through our respective years of service. I would like to share those truths with you.

Treat Others as You Want them to Treat You
One lady, whose kind heart, is always extending the grace of the Lord to others, mentioned that her mother had taught her to initiate a generous heart towards others. This is based out of principles in Mt 7:12 and Lu 6:31, which is also known as the Golden Rule. In that mindset, she always considers the heart of the other person. If she were in their shoes, how would she feel? Was she kind (1 Co 13:4)? Did she extend a helping hand (Ro 12:8)? Did she think the best of others, giving them the benefit in the situation (1 Co 13:7). As you get to know this sister-in-Christ, this truth is part of her demeanor. She lives the Christian walk! She cares about others. This truth is often intertwined into other Christian laws:

• Law of “Sowing and Reaping” (Ga 6:9-10)
• Law of Reciprocity1

When we are so busy, we often neglect the opportunities of the moment to share the Word of God’s grace into each moment. As of late, my husband and I have recommitted our hearts to take the time to encourage others. We want to make sure that we take the necessary moments to share the wonderful love of God as others cross our path. This may mean a kind word at a check-out, a special question of interest as coffee is poured, or a concern for a family member as you are helped in the store. God has called us to be proclaimers and encouragers to this generation. Often we miss the opportunity to strengthen the believers around us throughout our day-to-day activities. We center on the key of the moment, rather than scanning those on the peripheral who need a Word for the day. Other times we miss the chance to bring Christ’s example to an unbeliever because we are so intentional in living our own Christian lives. May the Lord use our everyday moments in life to invade and infiltrate those around us with the hope of eternity.

Proactively extending God’s grace into each relationship is certainly a foundation stone of walking out God’s love. We can graciously and winningly impact others in our everyday situations as we smile and chat with our neighbor, business acquaintance, fellow-worker, service attendant, and others. Use the moment!

Sustained Disciplines when No One is Looking
The other lady, a beautiful Christian woman, mentioned that her greatest truth which helped her to successfully live the Christian life comes through daily, consistent, disciplined lifestyle. This type of unswerving mindset is that which is birthed and maintained mostly when no one else is looking. It’s the life disciplines that are maintained through daily devotions (Ac 17:11), the guarding of your tongue (Jas 1:26), the continually cleansed heart (Heb 10:22), the commitment to prayer (1 Th 5:17), the willingness to serve the Lord (Ps 100:2), the caring for others (Jas 1:27), etc. All of these are internal commitments which unleash the moving of God for a lifetime.

Sometimes we think that if we concentrate a few days of our lives to this revival or renewal, we will see things change in us and others. We have allowed the “quick fix” mentality to penetrate our churches. The Lord is looking for those who are fully committed to serving Christ day in and day out in the small and everyday activities of life. In fact, I dare to say, that it’s the daily, minute-by-minute working of the Spirit in daily disciplines that cause the greatness of a man or woman to shine.

Running the Race with Endurance
I have one drive, I want to see Christ in all of His beauty. My husband and I have been married for 39 years. Early in our marriage the Lord miraculously touched our daughter at birth. This extension of God’s grace into our lives brought us face-to-face with a living and active God. In complete surrender, we forever committed to serving Christ with everything that is within us. After all of these years, God has never failed us once. He is faithful and true. He has seen us through difficult health and financial situations. He has carried us through when no one else knew the depth of pain and hurt.

When we were young, we were determined to serve Him. He proved His faithfulness over and over. At mid-life, we are determined to serve Him. He will continue to prove to us that He is Lord of heaven and earth. It is our heart’s desire to serve Him with unabated determination as we reach the age to “take the mountain” in our sunset years (Jos 14:10-12). We know that we have to take care of ourselves and each other so that we can cherish the opportunities set before us with strength and grace as we set aside those things, which so easily entangle us (Heb 12:1).

Summation of Years of Experience
As I summarize the truths we shared at lunch that day, it is easy to determine that the greatest lessons are internally gained. No one has a quick 10-step course to victory in Christ. Life is filled with surprises. We also know that the enemy of our soul seeks to discourage us. By the grace of God we can stand fast in our individual God-given callings by these simple, yet profound truths.

1. Treat others with God’s grace. (That’s how you want to be treated.)
2. It’s the consistent, daily, disciplines that cause you to be strong.
3. Have a resolve to finish this race. Run to win the prize.

God has a plan for you.
Do you wonder if I’m for real? Have you never seen or known of such grace? Does God seem far away? This is your time to surrender to Christ. Please go to [here] and read through the steps of commitment. It’s easy. Full surrender, putting Christ as the center/control of your life will cost you everything. You will no longer be in control of your life and your decisions. Christ Jesus asks that you take up your cross and follow Him (Mt 16:24).

Are you discouraged? Do you need victory over the situations at hand? The Lord wants you to again draw close to Him (Heb 10:22-23). He desires to make a way for you where there seems to be no way (Heb 11:29-30). He is victorious. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Nothing is impossible for Him (Lu 1:37). Maybe you have trusted Christ some time ago, but have gradually allowed your heart to slip from giving God time each day. Maybe you no longer allow Him to direct your steps. If so, please go to [here] and make a fresh commitment to serve the Lord. Christ Jesus also asks you to take up your cross and follow Him. The Lord will always be faithful.

However, please know that I must tell you that there is a heaven and a hell (Mt 25:46). Oftentimes we in America “know” all about Christ in our head; but, we choose to continually do things as we want to. If you choose not to yield afresh to him each and every day, you are living for self. All selfish living will come under judgment. One day the Lord will ask you what you did with the days He gave you. At that day, you will have the opportunity to give an account. I pray that as a wise steward (Lu 12:42), you will have faithfully served Christ. If you have any questions about these basic biblical truths, please [email] me. We want you to be found in Christ, growing in His grace and knowledge each and every day!

Footnotes: 1Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, Ethic of reciprocity, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethic_of_reciprocity) (Jan 2007).