"How did you use what I gave you?"
When we get to heaven and God asks each of us this question, what will our answer be?
"Well, God, you know the bills I had...
...and that movies are just my way of relaxing..
...and you know how important it is to have a reliable car...
...that I had a lot going on with work...
...that I felt better about myself if I was dressed nice...
...that I wanted to start that conversation, but I just didn't want to blow it...
...and that I just didn't know of a way to give more, do more, go more, or I would have."
I am so sick of excuses. And the most sickening thing of all is that they're all mine! Every last one of them I've presented to God as some measly offering, like I can convince Him of something that even I know is a lie.
We have this one life, which God has graciously given to us on the golden platter of the death of His only Son, and I'm going to spend it watching movies and aimlessly spending money on new clothes and nice dinners?
Oh, Becca, don't be so hard on yourself (or us). We're meant to enjoy this life God has given us.
Agreed! But perhaps our idea of enjoyment is just a little tainted.
Think about Paul's warning to the Corinthians. "If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied." Most to be pitied? Most of our lives aren't pity-worthy, unless it's our own doing. So why would Paul say this? Maybe this life was meant to be dependent upon the hope of the next.
Please don't misunderstand me - I'm not saying our lives should be miserable. But listen...His Kingdom is an upside down one, and that means that while everyone else may see us as miserable, crazy, or peculiar, it is our greatest joy to live as we do. Because, more than anyone else, we should get it. We should get this life of service in God's Kingdom.
God doesn't want religious duty. He's not looking for a bunch of people who feel obligated to give their time, money, resources, or love. He's after our hearts. He intends for this life to be consumed with us understanding His love for us and loving Him in return. When you're really in love, doesn't it effect every part of your life? And doesn't it do so because you want it to? Because it's your joy?
God, I want to fall in love with you all over again.
