It was in Passion Conference 2011 when I understood what this meant. John Piper explains, "to live means the world gets more of Christ (through you), and to die means I get more of Christ (in heaven)"
I got tired of living a lukewarm Christian life where all I think about is myself, and my church. I've gone to countless bible studies, conferences, quiet times, and church services. I thought it's about time I do what I learned.
It was in the same Passion Conference where I met this 25 year old girl who spent the last 2 years with a group of people somewhere in Africa. And all she did was love them. I thought to myself, that's the kind of life I want.
"What about your job? Your house/mortgage?"
I didn't want my life here on earth to revolve around buildling myself a career. I wanted my life to revolve around things that had eternal value. I realized, when I die, it doesn't matter whether I was a CEO of a company, or a janitor for a public school. It doesn't matter whether I had $250k in my savings account or $250. So why are people killing themselves and taking away time from God to go after these things? I don't believe being a CEO is a bad thing, because I do believe God blesses you with material things. So money isn't the issue. But just like the rich man who lived by ALL of the commandments, if God asks you to give it all away, would you? Isn't that the cost of discipleship?
"You don't have to be a missionary to feel like you did something for Christ"
Yes. I totally agree. But that is no excuse for me not to. You can glorify Christ and SHOULD glorify Christ in anything and everything that you do. Whether you serve food at church, or go out into the world to tell them about Christ. I am not doing it to feel good about myself. I am doing it because I love God, and I want to do nothing more than serve Him and please Him. And I feel this is a way for me to do just that. This is my way of emptying me of myself, and letting Him be the first priority in my life. This is my way of putting all my faith in Him, as I will have no source of stable income with a mortgage and a family to support. This is my way of drawing close to Him. Then Amen!
For me, to live is Christ. I pray that in everything that I do, it revolves around Christ, whether it further his kingdom, glorify Him, or worship HIm, and everything in between.
To die is gain. I cannot wait for the day that I meet Him face to face, and hear those loving words every sinner covered in grace should yearn for, "Well done."
I love you so much Lord. I want nothing more than to serve You and please You. May I continue to draw closer to You everyday. I just want to be where You are.
