Sunday, May 16, 2010

Mov'n On

That is what graduation is all about—completing one phase of life and moving on to the next. It was gratifying watching the many fine young people conduct themselves in an appropriate manner as they finished their last high school activity today—the graduation ceremony. The choir performed beautifully, the students knew what they were supposed to do when, and the speeches were well organized and delivered. Now it is time for them to move on. Important decisions are being made now by each graduate that will take them into the next phase of their lives. Some are making good decisions, some are making bad decisions, and sadly some are just letting life happen to them.

This is the case in our Christian lives also. We make a resolution to follow Jesus. Some of us truly listen to God and make decisions pleasing to him. Some of us give lip service to following Jesus and do what we think is best. Some of us just live making no changes or efforts to grow in our faith. But, mov’n on is key to living a victorious Christian life.

So how do we move on with Jesus?

1. Love and worship God above all.
"You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below... You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God...” Exodus 20:3, 4, 7 NIV

2. Love others.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39b NIV
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

3. With humility recognize our God-given abilities.
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you…We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…” Romans 12:3, 6a NIV
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1 NIV

4. Use God-given resources well.
"The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.' His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:22-23 NIV

5. Give our lives away.
“… Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:43-45 NIV

Lord, give me the will and the ability to place you first in my life, to love my neighbor as myself, to recognize the gifts you have given me to use in your work, to use my resources as you desire, and to willingly give all aspects of my life to you.

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