Year of the Bible: Part Eleven of TwelveSample

Wake up to Whose You Are

Billy Graham said, “The effective Christians of history have been men and women of great personal discipline: mental discipline, discipline of the body, discipline of the tongue, and discipline of the emotions.”

Our culture has an attitude of entitlement and drifts towards making the easiest decision, but Peter slaps us awake: “gird up the loins of your mind as obedient children.” Another way of saying that is, “Toughen up and don’t live your life like you are your own property!” God’s ownership of our lives is based on two things: first, He can claim us because He created us, and second, He purchased us again at an expensive price—His blood. Obeying isn’t always natural or easy; we must have self-control, a lifestyle of love, healthy reverence for God, and recognition of our human frailty.

Loving others sincerely is possible only by walking in the power of God’s Word and grace, living gratefully for the One who made you and died for you. After surrendering to Jesus’s lordship, it’s only natural to change the way we live. The change that takes place inside is eternal. Allow Jesus’s nature to rule your heart and desires.

Question: Assess your recent way of life. Did you live in reverent fear of God, aware of His concern for how we spend each moment and knowing that life is brief?

Prayer: Lord, I recognize that this life is short but that Your Word carries eternal power and significance. Forgive me for living as if I am in charge of my own life; my life is Yours and Yours alone.