Live Like Love

I just finished viewing the new ‘Son of God’ movie. Based on a true story, movies are gripping because we connect on a real-life level with the people. This particular picture allowed me to step into the epic truth of who Jesus was and is, and partway through, everything in me just wanted to stand up and proclaim “HE IS THE MESSIAH!”

And it got me thinking: how can we live our lives not sharing who God is, who Jesus is? There is no life outside Christ, but what we call ‘ambition’, ‘a career’, ‘a name for ourselves’, maybe even ‘contentment’. Sadly, as I too am guilty of this, we don’t actually live in the fullness of believing all that Christ says He is; otherwise we wouldn’t be so complacent with the way things are or the use of His name. We also wouldn’t be so wrapped up in our talents or the agenda we have set out to accomplish, but only how GREAT our God is, how marvelous His works are, and how good His love and desires forever will be for us. Not just by our words, but mostly by our actions will people ever get a glimpse of Jesus. Whatever the case may be, if we truly love God and love people, we cannot deny them the Truth that Jesus lives, God is love, and our lives are authored to testify this.

The love of God is meant to be a powerful force in our lives, one that will take us through even the most difficult trials without our ever doubting God’s love. Sadly, it’s when things don’t turn out in my favor that I question if God is really for me; “doesn’t He want this for me?” What a small-minded thought! He’s got the whole world in His hands, and yet He sent His son to die for me. There is no higher display of love! My soul is consumed by the love of Christ on that cross, and I feel God’s earth-shattering affections raining down; He loves me in it and through it all. God is love.

Oh my Lord, help us not to become so short-sighted in our situations to think this life is about our own stardom, fame and fortune here and now. Let us not be wrapped up in the gifts and blessings, the pleasures and pain, but only in the beauty of who you are, Jesus. Let us throw off passion and hope for our lives to be exalted and take up your desires for a life that testifies to your great name. Redeemer, Healer, Almighty, Savior, Defender, our King! If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Your love, O Lord, it never goes away! With every breath I take, help me, Lord, not lose sight of who you are. May my passions be fueled by the beauty of your Majesty, and may I live like love. May I walk like a carpenter who has nothing to lose and everything to gain with your name! Amen. Amen. Amen.