The Apostle Paul is writing to Timothy about how the church should conduct itself, but his words in 5:6 cause me to pause.

“But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.” (1 Tim 5:6)

She who lives for herself and her own pleasure is dead.

Dead.
Empty.
Never satisfied.

Living for ourselves, will never bring us peace.

And neither will looking for hope in anything other than Christ.

And I don’t know about you, but this Monday morning I need to reset my heart to where my hope comes from.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul explains, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”(Rom 8:5-8)

This truth has not changed!

Where’s your focus today? Where was it this weekend?

Are you trying to find peace in those things that can never satisfy for very long?

If we want to truly live, we will remember, “those who truly live, live not for themselves but for Christ who died for us” (2 Cor 5:15)

We will take this to heart in THIS day.

This truth will guide our actions. Again.

This truth will comfort our hearts. Again.

Yes, we all have wandering hearts. As long as we are clothed in these human bodies, the flesh in us, will seek comfort in things that can only ever temporarily satisfy.

But those, who are children of God, have been crucified with Christ— this means we have died to ourselves and the futility of finding hope apart from Christ!

Let’s remember the words of Paul to the church at Gallatia, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal 2:20)

The only way to truly live, is to daily live for Christ who loves us and gave Himself for us.

So, what does this look like for you in this day?

It means doing whatever it takes to set your mind on the things of the Spirit (read Rom 8:5-8 above again).

Be still. Pray. Fast even.

Ask God to help you love Him, and love others, and be a light in this dark world.

Listen, as He brings people to your mind to love and encourage. Do it. Follow through.

Be diligent to share truth from the Word, in a loving way with others. Be prepared to give a reason for the hope you have with gentleness and respect . (1 Pet 3:15)

As we live for Christ, may this lost world be drawn to the light of the Savior who lives in us!

He is our hope! He is the only hope for this broken country and our lost world!

May we set our hearts on Him over and over and remember the One who calls us is faithful, and He will do it! (1 Thess 5:24)

livetheWord

Kimjaggers.com