Steadfast, Immovable, Abounding

“Life is short.” We’ve all heard it a thousand times. But this year, God has constantly reminded me that my every breath is numbered, and that I am responsible for living each moment to His glory. At the end of our lives, we will be held accountable for our use of God’s gifts to us. We are stewards of our time. We are stewards of the gospel. We are stewards of the one earthly life we are each given. None of these are truly our own, they are simply given to us to invest wisely. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workmen who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Before Queen Esther goes to the king to ask for the lives of her people, her cousin Malachi tells her, “‘For if you remain silent at this time relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?’” (Esther 4:13-15). “Deliverance will arise”: Malachi still has faith that the people will be saved, regardless of Esther’s actions. God’s plan will be accomplished, with or without our help. But if we ignore His will for our lives, then we will completely miss out on the amazing opportunities He has in store for us. When we don’t make use of every moment He has blessed us with, we will never see how great His sovereign plan truly is.

 By the grace and the hand of God, Esther ended up in the right place at the right time. Yet the choice was still hers—would she trust God with courage or allow fear to command her actions? Each of us are so often placed in the same position as Esther. It is our behavior during these times which tests our focus on the calling of God. Many of us meet people daily whom we will never see again. What impact do we have on them during the few minutes we are together? Do we shine Christ’s love into the darkness of an unsaved heart? Do we uplift the soul of a fellow Christian whose light has grown dim? Do we represent Jesus well? At the very last meal Jesus shared with His disciples, He said to them, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). As disciples of Christ, we are to bear His mark of love; people should recognize a difference in our actions and attitudes, even if our time with them is short.

It is deceivingly easy to use our busyness as an excuse to neglect the things of God. We put so many things (even good things) in front of the Lord and His will. “I just can’t read my Bible today; I have too much to do.” “I know this person needs a listening ear, but I just don’t have the time right now.” “I feel led to follow God’s mission in my life, but I have too many priorities as it is.” I’m just as guilty as anyone of creating excuses that attempt to justify my neglect of God’s will. While I might tell myself I don’t have time to do what God wants me to, I really don’t have time not to. Our time on this earth, no matter how long it may be, is infinitely shorter than eternity. So while we are here, it is our responsibility to treasure every moment of the precious time God has given us. One thing I have learned this year is that if I make time in my day for what God leads me to do, He will make time for what I need to do. But if I push my faith to the back burner and prioritize other responsibilities, I end up stressed and confused with a day that is falling apart.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:58 (the key verse behind this entire blog) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” We have all been placed on this earth for a purpose. Our God never creates a life for no reason. He has lovingly designed you for a unique and special role—but it is up to you to the make the most of your life. Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:14, “But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless.” I think “diligence” is the very word to describe everything I’m trying to say here. On what is your gaze fixed? Towards what goals do you most persistently work? The days are slipping by you one by one…will you use them to His glory?