Living For Jesus
Would Anyone Know?
In this finale for the month of August I kept thinking about how I want to write this and present it to people. How do I explain to people how to live for Jesus? Then this question popped in my head. If you never told anyone you were Christian, would they assume you're a committed follower of Jesus? In the way you act, treat others, pray, give, and so much more. Sometimes I wonder what my own answer would be. Not only being at home and reading my Bible, but truly applying all of it. Maybe I'm the only person on the train who gives the person in need something to eat when I know I have it to give. We always say if I had more I would give, but we aren't even generous with what we have now.
A Season of Losing
Living for Jesus has changed my outlook completely. Recently I was in a rough season playing soccer. Losing games like I never have before. Two games in a row we got cooked so bad. 6-0 and 6-2. After a loss I wouldn't be able to speak the rest of the day. This time my usual pain and anger wasn't even there. Both games I immediately put my focus on Jesus. But a smile on my face because one loss doesn't change my identity in Christ. I realized then that Jesus has completely changed my life.
Now my anger in losing didn't just disappear. My identity and how I deal with adversity changed. That the joy of the Lord can't be compared to anything. I am deeply passionate about playing with my whole heart. But when I step on that field I know it's a calling and a privilege. I can do my duty, but the results are in God's hands. That the season of losing won't last forever, whether it be this life or the one to come. Now can we apply that to every aspect of our lives? Soccer used to be my identity, but when my identity changed, one loss can't destroy the spirit that Jesus has instilled in me. Every waking moment is an opportunity to live for Jesus. Every breath we take.
Who Are You Working For?
I have always marveled at the talents and gifts people have, but now I see the lack of fruit behind them. How people use their talents and gifts. Even more how many people give up on their passions. The markets for many of these passions are changing and simply don't pay as much as they should. AI definitely has a part to play with that as well, but that's a whole topic for another post. However, we all are talented beyond measure. Now who you're living for becomes the big dilemma. The sense of purpose living for Jesus helps me realize that what I'm doing now is for things I can't even see with my own two eyes. Not done for metrics, money, or fame. But for what Jesus has called me to do. When you're doing work for the world you will always burn out. Force things that don't need to be forced. I went through that multiple times trying multiple things.
We are all different members of the same body of Christ. "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4–5, ESV) We shouldn't envy what God has the next person doing, and we should be truly grateful for what God has you doing. We can't follow the next person. Social media has an odd way of making it more "follow me, copy my course, I did this so copy it." What about just taking the time to find yourself? It's different learning from others and pooling information. But intent is important. Doing things for money will never give you the satisfaction. It'll all pass away. Everything. However, your character, your fruit, your faith, your purpose, your stewardship, how you help others. Store up treasures in heaven. Everything and the fullness of it belongs to Jesus.
What Part Are You?
So now what part are you? How are you contributing to Jesus in your everyday life? As I mentioned earlier, the talents and gifts we all have are truly a blessing. But go use them for the one who gave them to you. Maybe you love to write. Write that book. You have charisma to speak. Start that podcast. You love math and numbers. Help your local church with their finances. You love fixing and building things. Go help build churches. We need followers of Christ in all of these spaces. You love music. Go make music. You love to lead. Go join that church team. Even be that CEO. Who knows.
We should never sell ourselves short with the power of Jesus on our side. But is what you're doing every day for Jesus? Someone is praying for a word, a testimony, that book, those clothes, the music, the opportunity. You could be that answered prayer if you just started what Jesus has called YOU to do. So go live for Jesus. Reflect him and contribute to the body. Get out of hiding and step out in faith.
God bless
To the ends of the earth,
Isaiah Abraham
