The Life Worth Living

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Jesus said, "I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure." (John 10:10, Complete Jewish Bible)

Your life is a mission underway. Every day that you live, every breath that you take, every talent you have, every person you meet, everything that you do -- all factor into the purpose God has for your life. You are an ambassador for Christ, a merchant of hope, a bringer of good news. And the Lord is with you everywhere you go.

His desire is that you live life in its fullest measure -- that you know His presence, sense His pleasure, love His people, serve His purpose, experience His power, receive His provision, and show forth His praises.

His words, spoken from a mountainside so long ago, ring clear and true into every nook and cranny of our world today -- "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me, “ Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:18~20).

These are our standing orders, and we each must give account one day for the one life we have lived. Vision, passion, discipline and risk are how that life is lived.

Vision produces passion as surely as a spark ignites a fire. Vision and passion produce discipline, for one whose heart is stirred by a noble cause will pay any price to see it realized. Vision, passion and discipline provide the safest environment for one to take the greatest risks. And make no mistake about it—there is no way to live a fully effective Christian life apart from taking risks. The apostle Paul said it this way, “ Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble; there is no way getting around it!” (2 Timothy 3:12, The Message).

Vision, passion, discipline and risk—the benefits of having these qualities in your life will be enormous. Think about it—can you see how wonderful it would be to help your friends and loved ones find forgiveness of sin and a new life in Christ? Does your heart stir with a passion to do something that can help change the social climate of a nation by the power of the Gospel? Are you living within the guidelines of God’s will for your life as an ambassador for Christ? And, will you take the risk associated with standing up and speaking the truth for Jesus Christ?

Vision, passion, discipline and risk. It’s what makes life worth living!
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