Who Are You Living For?
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| My granddaughter is learning from her grandpa. She left this at a hotel recently. |
Scripture:
Romans 14:7–9
We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
Observation
Paul is writing to the church in Rome, where believers find themselves surrounded by a very secular world. As new believers come into the congregation, they bring with them a variety of experiences and backgrounds. It's easy to judge one another for the ways they practice their faith. Some choose to abstain from certain foods, while others observe particular days. Paul brings the whole discussion into focus by reorienting it around Christ.
These arguments are actually very self-centered. Paul reminds them that we don't live for ourselves, so we shouldn't be consumed with justifying our own behaviors while judging those of others. The focus should always be on Christ. Then he lifts their eyes even higher. In light of the possibility of suffering—even martyrdom—these disputes become remarkably small. It's all about Jesus.
Application
Whether we are talking about life in the church or life in the world, it's so easy to get our eyes off Jesus. We become irritated by something someone says or by the latest news. Before long, we begin wondering how everything is going to affect us personally, and suddenly life becomes all about us.
The past few weeks, airline travel has been especially difficult. A weather system seems to have parked itself over Atlanta, producing thunderstorms almost every afternoon. The result has been havoc for travelers across the country, especially for those of us flying Delta into the Southeast.
Sunday night was one of those evenings. Flight after flight was delayed and then finally canceled. The lines to speak with an agent stretched through the airport. People waited for hours only to discover there might not be another available flight for two days. You could feel the frustration building.
Honestly, it's hard to keep your composure in moments like that. People are tired, disappointed, and weary. But behind the counter is a Delta employee who is having an equally difficult day.
In those moments, the Lord often stops me and asks what it means to be like Jesus. Sometimes I'll simply say, "We know this isn't your fault, and you're doing your best. Thank you." My husband will sometimes smile and tell them, "You just need a little Jesus," as he leaves them one of the tiny "Jesus" figures he carries with him. Most smile and receive it with gratitude.
Perhaps that's really the point. What we all need is a little more Jesus. And what would Jesus do in the middle of travel chaos? He would minister to the weary.
So, who are we living for?
Paul reminds us: "For to this end Christ died and lived again..." We don't belong to ourselves. We belong to Him.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for reminding me that You are the One for whom I live. You are the One for whom I die. Keep my eyes fixed on You, and may You always be the center of my life. Amen.
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