A sour Christian reflects an unhappy Christian. How will we draw people to Christ if we never show pleasure in him?
In Part 1, we learned to immerse ourselves in God’s word, make a plan for our lives, and enjoy our walk with Christ.
Yet, not everyone can be independently wealthy and live a resort lifestyle every day. How do we cope with the daily grind?
Here are the final three keys to making the most of our lives:
Key 5: Make the most of whatever job we have for as long as God gives us life.
Most people are not happy with their jobs. If we learn to be happy in the position we’re in, it allows God to promote us to a higher position.
In 1 Timothy 5:18 we read that the workman is worthy of the wages he earns. If we work hard and display the graciousness of a Godly worker, we will find joy and blessing in our place of employment.
Key 6: Make the most of what God gives us.
Start with what we’ve got, and let God do the rest. Zachariah 4:10 says, Small things when properly managed bring great results. Luke 16:10 tells us that God sees behind appearances.
If we’re honest in small things, God can trust us in big things. That needs to become part of who we are. Outside of the church, if we get too much in change, the right thing is to give the money back. Inside the church, if we can’t give a $100 tithe on $1000, how can we give a tithe on $20,000?
Read in Matthew 25:23. Because you are loyal with small things, I will give you big things to enjoy. Then turn to Luke 19:17. Since I can trust you with small things, I will give you ten cities to rule over.
Here’s the bottom line: When we do the best with what we have, God remembers.
Key 7: God deals out joy in the present, in the now.
Rules are there to help us, not to hinder us. The rules of the Bible help us prosper.
2 Corinthians 13:11 tells us to be filled with joy and live in peace. We read in John17:13, I say these things to you that my joy may be fulfilled. Finally, turn to Romans 15:12-13. Paul tells us, May God fill you with joy and peace by the power of the Holy Spirit.
There are three things God wants us to know as we walk through our lives: First, it is important to live in joy, because it gives us strength. We can find joy in songs or whatever motivates us. Second, God wants us to be happy in our work; to give it to him; to have a good time; to take care of ourselves. Third, we must seek to find joy in every part of our lives, even when things are not to our liking.
God wants us to find the best way to live. To do so, we need to see the world as he sees it.
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Code: J.7.12b.vp