Living a Life Worthy
Recently, I have finished reading a book by the well-known author and speaker, Lysa Terkeurst, called What Happens When Women Say Yes to God. This book is all about helping us, women, live lives in obedience to what God is telling us to do even when we can’t understand the who’s, what’s, when’s and why’s of a situation. She challenges us to trust Him above it all, knowing He is in full control of everything, and He just needs us to be willing and obedient vessels for Him to do His good work through us.
“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”
2 Timothy 2:20-21
In chapter 4 of Lysa’s book, she challenges women through the following statement:
“I am a woman on a journey of learning how to make sure my reactions don’t deny Christ’s presence in me. I am a woman who says yes to God not because my emotions and reactions are always perfect. No, I say yes to God because He is perfectly able to forgive me, love me, remind me, challenge me, and show me how to weather trials in ways that prove His Spirit resides in me. I remind myself often that people don’t care to meet my Jesus until they meet the reality of Jesus in my life.”
This statement in particular really challenged my heart into whether or not it can be said that I am truly living a life worthy of God’s calling and showing others the love of Christ daily through my thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes. I did not deserve God’s love and forgiveness, yet He gave it to me through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son (Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”). While I can never repay God for rescuing me from the death and humiliation I deserve, I can at least use my life willingly to serve Him and grow His mighty kingdom. I know I am not perfect, and I will mess up at times, but I serve a perfect father worthy of my best praise and honor I can give, even if it makes me uncomfortable or afraid. As Lysa says, “Soon, saying yes to God will no longer be a discipline of your heart but rather the delight of your life.” When we let go and let God take control, God will fill us with peace and joy that cannot be found anywhere else in this world. He will do things “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
As Christians, we are called to live our lives open and set apart for Him to work within us. We should be living differently than the world, so that others can see His goodness. Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
When people look at us, are we representing and shining the light of God through all aspects of our life or do people see the usual way of the world where we let circumstances and people around us define our happiness and steal our joy? Do we get angry and lash out on people (sometimes who don’t deserve it) or do we tame our tongue and body and show them the love of Christ? Do we compromise on our beliefs at times, just to fit in, or do we take a stand, even if it means doing so alone? Do we make excuses for our behavior and convince ourselves “it can’t be that bad” or do we resist the devil and the lies he tells us? Do people see a changed life when they look at us or just talk, and no action? You never know who is watching you, and you never know if that person will ever have the opportunity to see Jesus again. You could be the tool God uses to change their life, if you are open and willing to serve Him. As William J. Toms says, “Be careful how you live; you may be the only Bible some people will ever read.”
So as you go about your day to day, remember your God-given purpose and live worthy of it. There are people all around us waiting to hear and see the good news of Jesus. Don’t let them miss their chance by being stagnant or disobedient. We are all in this together and we need everyone to do their part to grow the kingdom of God. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).