Living the Godly Life

We thank the Lord for all He’s done for us, for all He’s given us and for dying so that we might live the abundant life He’s made available to us. ‘For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich’ (2 Corinthians 8:9). He gave up everything for us - His glory, His majesty, even His life, so that we might be able to live our lives through Him. ‘His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godlines through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness’ (2 Peter 1:3). And yet there are many millions of people who don’t know Him.

Who’s going to tell them? It can be so frustrating when we see people, even close friends and loved ones, rejecting the very thought of the only One who can help them; the One who can supply their every need and give them a life far beyond their greatest expectations.

So often telling them about the love of Jesus just doesn’t work. We need to do more. We need to live what we believe. I wonder what impression people get from our lifestyle. Are we living as a visible confirmation of the truth, or do people see in us a contradiction, where we imply that life is better with Jesus but show no evidence of it?

The crowds flocked to Jesus because He was sincere. He too was rejected, but still He demonstrated blessings, healing and compassion. He showed His love for those in need and gave them hope.

We can do the same. Let’s walk and live as the people we are, no better and no worse than anyone else, but confident of where we are with Jesus. As we step out in the boldness of the Holy Spirit, we are assured that God will meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ. Yet we are continually aware of the many people who have nothing. Do we reflect hope in our daily living? Let’s encourage others that there is hope beyond their needs, and that a new life - a different kind of life - is available to them through Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, ‘I am the way.’ We need to walk in that way ourselves as evidence of the truth. If we want to see people rise above their restricted understanding of what life is all about, we have to step out of the boat, and be walking examples of the Spirit-filled life. Let’s live in the life that we long to pass on to others, so that they too may know the truth and enter into the blessings of the Lord.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for coming into my life to demonstrate Your overwhelming love for me. Please forgive me that I have not always fully recognised that love or have even taken it for granted. I’m aware of the tremendous privilege it is to know You, but there are so many others who don’t. Show me, by Your Spirit, how I might reflect Your light in my life so that it would dispel their darkness and they would begin to see Your love and compassion for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.