MY LIFE AND CHRISTIANITY

Victor M. Eskew

 

          God has granted each one of us one life to live.  Each life is similar.  Each life is quite different.  The differences often cause us to forget how much alike each life really is. 

          Most of us try to plan our lives, especially during our early years.  College, a trade, a career, marriage, and children are usually on the minds of most during the teen years and into early adulthood. 

          We live this life from day to day.  Each day we wake up to meet the challenges and the blessings that will come our way.  Some things in life we know are going to occur.  There are other things that spring up that must be dealt with as they happen. 

          The Christian’s life is supposed to be governed by his Christianity.  The standard by which we live the Christian life is the Word of God.  The psalmist wrote:  “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105).  Paul expressed a similar thought when he wrote to the saints in the city of Philippi.  He said:  “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ…” (Phil. 1:27).  The Christian’s thoughts are based upon God’s Word.  The Christian’s emotions are based on the standard of the gospel.  The Christian’s behavior is governed by the Scriptures.  The Christian’s relationships are founded upon the inspired words of holy writ.  There is not supposed to be one aspect of the Christian’s life that fails to conform to the divine message called “The Holy Bible.”

          There are times, however, when our lives do not conform to the will of God.  We see numerous examples of this in God’s Word.  David was a person who God describes as “a man after mine own heart” (Acts 13:22).  David’s lusts, however, prevailed over his relationship with God in the matter of Bathsheba and Uriah.  “And it came to pass in an evening tide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house:  and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon…And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness:  and she returned unto her house” (2 Sam. 11:2, 4).  To cover his sin, David had her husband Uriah slain in battle.  “And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.  And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire from him, that he may be smitten, and die” (2 Sam. 11:14-15).  David allowed evil desires to overcome his sainthood.  Instead of fleeing from sin, he engaged therein. 

          The rich man was another who allowed his wants in life to get in the way of following the Christ.  He approached Jesus with a question:  “Good Master, what shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” (Matt. 19:16).  Jesus provided him with an answer to his question.  When he heard the answer, he said:  “All these things have I kept from my youth up:  what lack I yet?” (Matt. 19:20).  This young man had been attempting to keep the commands of God.  However, there was just one thing he lacked.  “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven:  and come and follow me” (Matt. 19:21).  Here is where the man’s desires ran contrary to a life with Christ.  “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful:  for he had great possessions” (Matt. 19:22).  This man lived a very comfortable lifestyle.  His riches provided him with blessings, security, and self-reliance.  When he was commanded to give them up in order to follow Jesus, he could not bring himself to part with his riches.  He left the Christ with his wealth, but his heart was filled with sorrow.

          Martha was another who let the cares of life get the better of her on one occasion.  Jesus and the apostles were close to Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.  When they came into their hometown, they often visited in the home of these sisters and brother.  In Luke 10:38, we learn that Martha received Jesus into her home.  Martha was excited about her guests being with her and wanted to show them much hospitality while they were there.  The number of guests would have been thirteen.  That is a fairly large group for which to care.  A problem arose when Mary “sat and Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.” (Luke 10:39).  Martha was “cumbered about much serving” (Luke 10:40).  Martha was so overwhelmed that she approached Jesus with the matter.  She said to him:  “Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?  bid her therefore that she help me” (Luke 10:40).  The Lord quickly pointed Martha in a spiritual direction by commending her sister.  “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:  but one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).  Martha would have been wise to quit seeking to please her guests and to take a place as Jesus’ feet.  Feeding her soul was much more important than feeding her visitors.  There would be plenty of time later to care for the needs of her friends. 

          How often do we follow in the footsteps of one of these three individuals?  Sin diverts us from a faithful walk with Christ.  The things that satisfy our lusts and appetites are chosen before the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  Or, our “busyness” keeps us from feasting upon the precious manna found in the Word of God.  Instead of Christianity governing our lives, we find that our lusts, our wants, and the cares of this world keep us from living our Christianity.  We all must keep in mind that life is supposed to be lived for Christ and not for self.  Refraining from temptation, practicing self-sacrifice, and ordering our priorities correctly keep us moving forward and growing spiritually as we walk with our Savior.  Let’s close with an exhortation from the pen of the writer of Hebrews.  “Now the just shall live by faith:  but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.  But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” (Heb. 10:38-39).