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For Me To Live

Philippians 1:20-22)
April 18, 2010

    Most of us, whether we realize it or not, have a recurring point of interest.  We have one idea that we express over and over again in various ways.  It’s our theme song. 

    So what is your life theme!  What defines you?  What inspires you?  What do you think about and dream about?

    Michael Jordan might say, “For me to live is basketball."  Rembrandt might say, “For me to live is art."  Mozart might say, “For me to live is music."  Einstein might say, “For me to live is science." Donald Trump might say, “For me to live is money."

    But the Apostle Paul said,  “For me to live is Christ" (Phil. 1:21). 

    What does that mean?      Well, it means being totally committed to Christ.  It means that thoughts, interests, words, deeds, time and resources are all focused on a single thing.  It means having one over-riding purpose in life.

    Doctors say when patients lose their “will to live,” no amount of medical technology can help.  Unless they can find a sense of purpose, they will die.  It is this “will to live,” to learn,  to contribute, to be passionate about something which makes life productive and worthwhile.

    So, what gives you your “will to live?”  What motivates you to learn  and to contribute?  If you don’t know, then take a moment to analyze this question.

    If you have many things you’re passionate about, then consider how you can integrate and focus them in your daily life in a way that adds to your enjoyment and to the benefit of others.  Paul explains, “I expect and hope that I will not fail Christ in anything but that I will have the courage . . . to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth . . ." (Phil. 1:20, edb).

    Then, he adds, “Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.  In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus” (Phil.  2:1-5, edb).

    Living for Christ is a great challenge.  But all human beings can do much more than they think they can.  Roger Bannister was a medical student who broke the four-minute barrier.  He was the first person to run a mile in less than 4 minutes.  Until that time, it was believed that no human being would ever break that barrier.  But, strangely enough, within forty-six days of his achievement, John Landing also did it.  Now, thousands of runners do it on a regular basis.  Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength” (Phil.  4:13, edb).

    But life is a matter of priorities.  Some things are more important than others.  Since we can’t do everything we must sacrifice some things in order to do more important things.  Paul said, “I think that all things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him, I have lost all those things, and now I know they are worthless trash. This allows me to have Christ” (Phil 3:8).

    There are many different ways to “live for Christ”; or more significantly, “to let Christ live through us.”

I.  FIRST, IN ORDER TO LIVE FOR CHRIST, WE CAN DISCOVER, ADMIT AND SHARE OUR WEAKNESSES WITH OTHERS.

    This may sound strange, but Paul revealed that he had a serious problem in his life.  He said, “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.  Each time he said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.  Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor.  12:8-10, nlb).

    He learned that power from God doesn’t always come through mighty acts and brilliant achievement; but rather through revealed weakness.  If we do not let one another into our broken lives, to see and share in our problems and listen to our fears, the treasure within remains hidden.  However, if we are willing to be vulnerable with one another, the faults and mistakes in our own lives can become the means of wisdom and hope for someone else.

    Most of us were taught to hide our fears and pains; to claim more security and strength than we have.  But in truth, all of us are weak in some areas.  All of us blow it on occasion.  All of us fall on our faces at times.

    One person expresses it this way:  Within each man there is a dark castle with a fierce dragon to guard the gate.  The castle contains a lonely self, a guilty self; a fearful self.  It’s only when we take the risk and let down the barriers that we can help each other in true Christian fellowship.

    Imagine a jar holding a precious perfume.  As long as the contents are tightly sealed, no one benefits.  It’s the cracks and chipped places that allow the essence to be experienced by others.

    That’s true of us.  Denying our faults, covering up our flaws and pretending to be self-righteous is not helpful.  If we admit and share our weaknesses, they can be a blessing to others.

II.  NEXT, IN ORDER TO LIVE FOR CHRIST, WE CAN DISCOVER, DEVELOP AND SHARE OUR STRENGTHS WITH OTHERS.

    Many of us have been taught it shows humility to disavow or diminish our talents and abilities.  But Jesus disagrees.  He said, “You are the light that gives light to the world . . . People don’t hide a light under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand so the light shines for all the people in the house.  In the same way, you should be a light for others” (Matt.  5:14-16, edb).

    Once a student asked his professor a profound question.  He said, “Sir, can you tell me the meaning of life?”

    The instructor hesitated a moment before taking a very small mirror out of his wallet.  He held it up, and explained, "When I was a child in Greece, we were very poor.  One day I discovered fragments of a mirror where a motorcycle had crashed.  I saved a piece, and eventually was able to make it round by rubbing it against a stone.  Then, as I was playing with it, I discovered that it could reflect light into dark places where the sun would never shine.  As I grew and wondered what to do with my life, I realized that, like that mirror, God could use me to shine His light, His love and His truth into the dark places in the hearts and minds of men and women.  And, in that way, I can make a difference.  That, my boy, is the meaning of life.”

    Furthermore, we must not procrastinate.  Every moment is significant.  A poet wrote:

    I have only just a minute,
    Just sixty seconds in it
    Forced upon me,
    Can’t refuse it,
    Didn’t seek it
    Didn’t choose it.
    I must suffer if I lose it,
    Give account if I abuse it.
    Just a tiny little minute,
    But eternity is in it!

    Don’t wait to say that encouraging word; or to express that appreciation; or to do that kind deed.  Tomorrow may be too late.  We are responsible for using our gifts and skills.  If we develop and share our strengths, they can be a blessing to others.

III.  FINALLY, IN ORDER TO LIVE FOR CHRIST, WE CAN ADAPT, FOCUS AND DEVOTE OUR  LIVES TO OTHERS.

    Jesus says, “Whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it." (Matt.  16:25, nas)

    That sounds simple, but it's really backwards according to our normal way of thinking.  Let’s consider what he means.  Suppose I have two ice cubes.  I want to save the first one.  So, I carefully wrap it in a paper towel and put it in my pocket.  You know what will happen.  The cube will melt.  My pocket will be wet.  Even though I’ve tried to save the ice cube, I’ve lost it.

    Now, I put the second ice cube in a glass and pour lemonade over it.  This cube will also melt.  I am losing it too.  But it is melting for a purpose.  It is making the drink cold.  It will refresh a thirsty person.  We could say, “For whoever wants to save an ice cube will lose it; but whoever loses an ice cube by using it will save it.”

    Our lives are like the ice cubes.  If we discover, focus and devote all of our abilities, time and energy in service, we can be a blessing to others.

    Jesus told a story that illustrates how easy it is to forget what’s first in our life.  He turned to one man and said, “Follow me.”  The man replied, “First, let me go back and bury my father.”  Jesus responded, “Let the dead bury their own dead.  You go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.”

    Another man stepped forward and says, “I will follow you, but let me go and bid my family farewell.”  Again Jesus’ reply was blunt: “Anyone who starts out to plow and keeps looking back is of no use for the kingdom of God.”  (See Luke 9:59-62).

    Jesus seemed to be using shock tactics to establish priorities.  All of us face these questions.  Life is too short to work only for a paycheck.  Of course we need balance in life.  Solomon says, “There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.  A time to cry and a time to laugh.  A time to grieve and a time to dance.  God has made everything beautiful for its own  time”  (Ecc. 3:1, 4, lb).

    God meant for us to enjoy life, but to get the most out of life, our priorities must be right.  Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33, kjv).

    An old legend tells of three brick layers and their philosophies of life:  When the first was asked, “What are you doing?”  He answered, “I’m sweating and toiling with these bricks.  If I don’t I’ll be punished.

    When the second was asked, “What are you doing?”  He answered, “I’m stacking these bricks day after day so I can get paid on Saturday.”

    When the third was asked, “What are you doing?”  He answered, “I am building a wonderful cathedral.  So that many people can find inspiration in the years to come.”

    Now, these three men each performed the same task, but each with a different purpose.  One was working to avoid punishment.  Another was working to obtain a reward.  But the last one was working for the overall good of God’s Kingdom.  He had a vision.  He had a dream.  He will have fulfillment and satisfaction. 

    As Christians, let’s analyze our concerns and motivations.  Let’s determine our priorities.  Which disturbs us most?  A hurting person or a scratch on our new car?  The church not growing or the garden not growing?  Our Bible being unread, or our newspaper being unread?  Church work neglected or housework neglected?  Missing worship or missing your favorite TV program?

    You see, Christians with misplaced priorities are just fooling themselves and destroying their witness.  Let’s commit ourselves to say with Paul, “For  to me to live is Christ . . .”  (Phil. 1:21).

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(WC1931)

Copyrighted 2010 by Miles and Maralene Wesner, Idabel, OK.  PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THIS MESSAGE IN ANY WAY YOU THINK IS APPROPRIATE.  The only thing we ask is that you give credit for original material in PUBLISHED works. 

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Miles E Wesner