Having A Life That Counts
Having recently begun this new year, we are going to focus on what it means to be a church and the people of God. Today I would like to share with you how to live a life that counts for God.
Clarence Darrow, the noted infidel who used to challenge God to strike him dead in the next ten seconds, while he held up his watch and counted off the seconds, was actually on his death bed. A Christian man came to visit him and asked him what his philosophy of life was. Darrow picked up a Bible from his library, turned to Luke 5 and said, "If you want my philosophy of life, here it is: ‘I have fished all night and taken nothing'!" (Luke 5:5) In essence, Darrow said, "I have lived my whole life and have accomplished nothing worth while."
Let me ask you a simple question: "What are you accomplishing with your life?" A life that counts for God will consist of five things (from Acts 26):
CONVERSION (vs. 12-19) Jesus said it simply, "Ye must be born again." If your life is to count for God, then you must be made acceptable to God, and that is through conversion. You must be saved, redeemed, bought by the blood, born again!
CONSISTENCY (vs. 22) Paul "continued". There are way too many in and out, on and off, hot and cold, high then low, Christians! God expects consistency! "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." (1 Cor. 4:2).
CONVICTIONS (vs. 22-24) Because Paul knew what he believed, he had the courage to stand when he was opposed!
COMPASSION (vs. 27-29) Paul wanted to see Festus and Agrippa saved! We are ambassadors for Christ, we represent the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! And folks, that is not a "sit-down" job! It is a "go and tell" job!
CONSECRATION (vs. 16,19) Paul was devoted to the task God had for him.
Now, what about you? Are these five things evident in your life? If you want to accomplish something for God with your life, now is the time to get to it!