Is it spring yet? Good morning and happy Saturday. I hope that you had a fruitful week and that you can name at least one way in which you saw God working in your life. If it has been a while since you have been aware of God doing anything in your life, then it might be time for some serious evaluation. Know this – God is seeking to transform you into the image of Christ. However, the world is also at work, seeking to conform you into its image. The question you have to ask yourself is, “which are you allowing in your life?”
Sunday morning, I will continue our series discussing the seven signs in the Gospel of John. This week’s message I have entitled, “Why are you following Jesus?” For those that go to church, for those that claim to be Christians, it is a question worth exploring.
On Monday, I received the news that my uncle had passed away. Uncle Larry had been a college professor for over 35 years before he retired. He had taught political science for many of those years so that made for some interesting discussions. Like everyone from my dad’s side of the family, he was sarcastic and opinionated. Two endearing qualities if you ask me. I remember hearing him and my dad having animated discussions over things. A few times, I listened in to discover they were arguing over monumental things such as the color of a shirt that one of their siblings wore to their graduation in the 1950’s or if the first Coke’s were a dime or fifteen cents. Nevertheless, they did have the ability to carry the conversations on to the wee hours of the morning.
One thing that I did think of as I thought about Uncle Larry is that there would soon be an announcement that Larry White had passed away. If you hear that news, you can be relieved (or disappointed) that it wasn’t yours truly. As of 6 am Saturday morning I am still alive and kicking. However, one day it will be me. It is inevitable (unless the rapture occurs and that’s a whole different exit to this world). When it does occur, I hope a few people are lured to the service by the prospect of having some Hy-Vee fried chicken afterwards. Also, I hope they have my service in the morning so that everyone can enjoy the rest of their day. I do hope that whoever is coerced (or paid) to say a few nice things about me will remember that I was blessed to have a double portion of sarcasm.
In all seriousness though, it has reminded me once again that at some point it will be time to check out. That is true for all of us. I don’t know about you, but it makes me want to consider what I will do with the time I have left. Time is such a precious resource, and it is so easy to spend it doing things that don’t really enhance your life or the lives of those around you, make the world a better place, or advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I mean, if it doesn’t do any of those things then are our activities and pursuits all that worthwhile? As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are left here on this planet to make a difference for the cause of Christ. Our mission is to live for Him and advance His kingdom. If it were not so, then we would get raptured to heaven as soon as we trusted Christ. Through Christ, we receive eternal life and we are given this life, this opportunity, to help others come to know Him as well. One day the news will spread that you or I have died. Until then, let’s not waste the time that God has given us. Let’s do all that we can for His glory and honor.
Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27, HCSB).
From our neighborhoods to the nations,
Pastor Larry
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