Deeper Reflection
LIFE IS A GIFT FROM GOD. JESUS CAME TO GIVE HIS PEOPLE life abundantly (v.10). It is life that is superior in quality, because it is lived in relationship with Jesus.²⁷ We must responsibly steward this one life that we have received from God. In his one life, the Psalmist sought the one thing that was most valuable to him: “One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life…” (Psa 27:4). The Psalmist wanted above all to be in the presence of God. Our greatest treasure is the gift of life in Christ. How can we live well and not waste our life? Many people seek worldly treasures, educational attainments, career achievements, family happiness, children’s accomplishments, personal wealth and pleasures. These things can be legitimate pursuits, but they will never fully satisfy us. What ultimately satisfies our souls and meets our deepest needs is our relationship with God. Flowing from that vital and most important relationship, we should then lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven (Matt 6:19-20) by seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt 6:33). One way to do that is to step up to serve in church ministry. This involves giving ourselves – our time and energy – in self-giving service to others in order to build up God’s Church for God’s glory. In this way we will steward well this most precious gift from God and not waste our life. “Only one life, t’will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”²⁸

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²⁷ Such a life is “more than one would normally expect or anticipate” (per NET Bible Notes), or “rich and satisfying” (per NLT), or “real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of” (per MSG). ²⁸ From a poem by Charles Thomas Studd: www.cavaliersonly.com/poetry_by_christian_poets_of_the_past/only_one_life_twill_soon_be_past_-_poem_by_ct_studd