Don’t we all want a life worth living?  Not just putting in our time, waiting for the grim reaper.  Marking off earth’s calendar ’til heaven’s shores.  Hoping beyond hope not to mess up too much.  Less troubles.  More triumphs.  How sad to be given new life in Jesus only to fritter it away, hardly denting the enemy’s stomping grounds.

Making a mark for Jesus and His Kingdom–that’s what we want.  Listen to the Apostle Paul–‘…in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.  For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord’ (1 Thess. 3:7-8).

Really living.  Nothing phony-baloney.  Even through tough and terrible times.  Especially then.  We’re encouraged to faithfully stand firm for Jesus.  The old hymns rightly sing–‘I shall not be, I shall not be moved…’  So, ‘Stand up, stand up for Jesus…’.

This kind of living has little to do with our net worth.  Or how many bathroom suites we have in our home.  Or which academic degree hangs above our desk.  Or how big our church membership happens to be.  Or almost anything else for that matter.

Real life has to do with being in tune with Jesus.  With God’s Word resonating within as our tuning fork.  Standing proudly next to Him.  Unashamedly outspoken for Bible teaching, being careful to be compassionate and caring.   Encouraging others.  Giving more than receiving–not only money.  His follower rather than His leader.

Life in Jesus seems quite different from the world’s definition of success and meaning.  Does that come as a surprise?  Shouldn’t.  On my better days, it doesn’t.

So today I’m going to align myself closer to Jesus.  Grab onto Him for dear life with some good old-fashioned faith.  Put Him first for a change.  Join me?  Why wouldn’t you?

Father, please make my life more for you and others.  For Jesus’ sake.  Amen.