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| Vol. 14 No. 7 July 2012 | Page 8 |
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| Vol. 14 No. 7 July 2012 | Page 8 |
Tim Childs
In our preadolescent years, we may begin planning for the future. These thoughts may be stimulated by questions often asked like, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” So, our minds are intrigued by the questions of a lifetime pertaining to one’s interests and pursuits: “Where will I live?” “What will I do?” “What will I be?”
The early years of our youth are formative. Our eyes begin to open up to the world around us, and we see things in a different light. We begin to develop core values we will carry with us into adolescence, adulthood and throughout life. Let’s make a spiritual application to these important questions.
Where will I live? Regardless of where I live, physically speaking, I will live my life “in Christ” since this is the only place where one can truly live and grasp the true meaning of life. Jesus came to bless my life with the intention of enabling me to experience “abundant living” (John 10:10). “In him” is life (John 1:4). He is the personification of love, light, truth and life. He announced, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). I will live all my days being faithful to the one with whom I have entered this spiritual covenant.
What will I be? Regardless of what I become, professionally speaking, I will be “a Christian.” It is the highest honor for me to wear the name of the Son of God and the one who gave Himself for me. I will conduct myself daily in such a manner that Jesus’ name is glorified, rather than blasphemed. Just as Jesus’ life enabled others to see the glory of the Father, I want to behave myself so those around me may see the glory of my Lord and King. I will never be ashamed for others to know I am a Christian and that I uphold every word of His doctrine. I will be a Christian, first and foremost.
What will I do? Regardless of what I use my hands, feet and mind to do in making a living, I will “do the will of my Heavenly Father.” Jesus declared at Jacob’s well, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34). Through the Gospel of Christ, God has sanctified me, and through His Word He equips me for ministry in the kingdom of heaven. God has chosen to work on me and create me “unto good works” wherein I will walk all the days of my life (Ephesians 2:10). Someday, then, I will be able to join Paul in saying, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…” which the Lord has prepared for me (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
With these questions settled and firmly placed in my heart, now I pray, “Here am I Lord, use me.”
Tim Childs
https://www.gospelgazette.com/mp3/GGO201207.mp3