We serve God’s purpose through loving relationships with Him, His church and His world (Acts 13:36; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 2:52). Then how are we to live? By expressing what Yeshua has done for us in the current day and age, in our spirit, mind, body, work and relationships.
I. In OUR Spirit
1. Enjoying God more – Spending quality quiet time in Prayer & devotions. Partaking in the JOY of our relationship with Him!!!
2. Knowing God better – Spending time in His Word. It only takes 15 min a day to read the entire Bible in one year! Let the experience and knowledge of who God is, powerfully challenge us and fully transform us!!!
3. Making decisions in light of eternal values – Are we asking ourselves what would Yeshua do? We know what Yeshua would do by knowing his character and we know His character by knowing his Word!!
4. Living in expectation of Yeshua’s Return – Do you know Yeshua can come back at any moment! We are to live our lives in devotion, assuming He may come back tomorrow; Yet plan ahead as if he’s coming back in a thousand years!!
II. In OUR Mind
1. Disciplined in reading the scriptures and praying on a daily basis. Are you attending regular bible study, where you can learn and have others hold you accountable? If you do not have time? Perhaps its time to reevaluate your priorities. What is more important then gaining knowledge of our Lord and communing with him!
2. Growing in Christian mind through tapes, books, seminar or courses. There are many avenues to grow as a Christian. One way that I have found vary helpful in my personal growth is attending conferences that specialize in teaching and challenging. There are also good radio teachers, books and tapes. Warning, be discerning on whom you read and listen too. Always compare what you hear to the Scriptures. There are many false teachers out there that want your money or seek to trick your ears to a path away from God!
3. Reading and taking courses for broader understanding of the world. Your mind does not retire, no matter how old or young you are. It has been my observation that when people retire and continue on with no hobbies, interests or challenges, they waist away and become depressed. Most Sociologists will agree that when our mind becomes idle, we lose the will to live. Do not be robbed of your contribution to the kingdom of Yeshua.
4. Keeping up with current thoughts & trends, perhaps by going to “listening posts” of our society. There are many activities that will engage our mind. Try reading magazines, attending lectures, or getting involved in city Government. Basically do not be idle, God can and will use us powerfully if we let him, but he can’t use us much if we are stuck on a couch. Remember we can always do better to give the Lord Glory!
III. In OUR Body
1. Rest – Are you taking care of yourselves? Remember this essential truth, as a Christian we are the temple of the Holy Spirit! As stated in John 14:17. Just as you have taken great care in building the church, to make it better and more useful, do you do this with yourselves? If we do not take proper care of our bodies, how can God use us for His Glory? Yes, He may be able to use us for a while of limited purposes, but how much more can we be of use for him if we just put a little more effort in the care of His temple!
2. Diet – Are you eating right? Most people have not a clue of what is healthy and what is not. Basically eat fresh vegetables and fruit. Whole grains and stay away from processed food. And drink 8- 10 glasses of fresh filtered water, and you will do fine! Maybe consider vitamin supplements.
3. Exercise – Physiologists tell us that if we do not exercise regularly our bodies will deteriorate and break down. Not very inviting for a temple of the Holy Spirit!
4. Personal grooming and wardrobe – We may not think this is important in our contemporary society, but we are ambassadors of Yeshua on this world. What does that look like?
5. Recreation/Relaxation – Do you enjoy life? We should! God placed us here for his Glory and purpose, so enjoy the ride of life, have fun and be happy even in the mist of trouble and suffering. Yeshua is in you, what else can you possibly need or want?
IV. In OUR Work
1. Handling money in terms of Biblical priorities – Are we being a wise steward of the blessings the Lord has given us? If you think God has not blessed you, think again. He has given you life and a life style that is in the upper 3% of the world, that is if you are lower middle class! There are always things to be thankful for, you should show it. How we use the money God gives us shows our true character!
2. Handling time in terms of Biblical priorities? Being a wise steward does not mean just finances, it refers to everything we have: time, treasures and talent! The way we use time shows the priorities we have. We need to ask if our priorities are centered upon the Lords.
3. Choosing a career in terms of Biblical priorities – If you are in the process of trying to find out what Gods will is for your life. Then consider what Gods Word says, God is more concerned with our Obedience than our career. God is more concerned with our relationship to him than any thing we do. The will of God has more to do with controlling our hearts than what we do with our lives! Yes a career is important and we should strive to do our best with the spiritual gifts and talents we have, to further his Glory! But let us never forget what is truly important!
4. Carrying out work in terms of Biblical priorities – Everything we do is under the topic of work. what we do is mirror the image of God! Are we mirroring Yeshua’s Image well?
V. In OUR Relationships
1. Good manners/etiquette – (Take a course, read a book!) How we act toward others shows people around us what Yeshua is like! If you have one of those fish symbols on you car and drive around cutting people off like a crazy person; then people see Christians as jerks! This is not the best way to glorify Yeshua!
2. Conversational skills – What comes out of our mouths is telling others our character. The book of James has a lot to say to us on this subject! Do we treat others with dignity and respect! Do we listen to others!
3. Taking initiative to develop relationships – It has been said people do not care what we have to say until they know how much we care! If no one will talk to you, then take the initiative, take a risk and let others into your circle!
4. Understanding how to “be in the world” but not “of the world” – The bible calls us to be salt and light, that is we are to be involved in the world, while not letting the infection of sin to penetrate our selves. We are to act and respond, to be involved in life. We are called to love and take care of others.
5. Getting to know people of various ages – One of the things I like about being part of a small Church is that I talk to so many people from different life stages. When I was on staff at a large Mega Church I rarely spoke to others out side my age level ministry. So with our call we can disciple people younger than us and be discipled by those older, sharing experience with love and caring!
Conclusion
Do you enjoy being in your relationship with God, well you should. You see the reason we were put on this world is to experience relationships. Our relationship with God through what Yeshua has done for us is our first priority. The second priority is to experience relationships with others. The third is a network of relationships to those around us, with God, His Church and the world! Let us look to Yeshua, “Yeshua increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” Well-rounded development is being a person of Intellect, social and Spiritual, with our Spirit, Mind, Body, Work and Relationships! This is how we can give God the glory in our lives!