What is the measure of my life?
April 6, 2022
On this special day, I wish to recognize my Lord and my God, who has redeemed me and given me life and meaning.
“For a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).
What do our lives consist of? How will our lives be measured?
Perhaps this question can be answered by looking at Jesus Christ’s life. Although of royal descent, he was born into very humble circumstances. He did not live a long life. He did not set up a great empire or conquer the world. He did not accomplish anything significant that we might measure as other people in history. So, what did His life consist of?
He overcame the will of the flesh (Luke 4). He was tempted, yet He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He was scourged, beaten, and crucified (John 19). He submitted His will to that of the Father’s will (Luke 22:42; John 6:38). He forgave sins (Matt 9:6). He performed many miracles, as listed below.
- He healed the blind (Matt 9:27–31; Mark 8:22–26; John 9).
- He cast out devils (Luke 9:32–34).
- Healing of the deaf and dumb (Mark 7:31–37).
- The raising of the widow's son (Luke 7:11–16).
- He healed a woman with an infirmity (Luke 13:11–17).
- He healed a man afflicted with dropsy (Luke 14:1–6).
- He healed the lepers (Luke 17:12–19).
- He raised a man from the dead (John 11:1–45).
What does all of this mean? God does not measure us by the size of the paycheck we bring home or the popularity of our Facebook posts. Jesus gave us the example, as He gave His will to the Father, it is our will and hearts to God that is the measure of our life.
The great miracle of this is the fairness of it, the unprivileged can give as much as the privileged. The poorest grandma in Africa can give just as much as the wealthiest man in America. Even the quadriplegic can give their will and heart to God, they can sacrifice their will for His.
If we have the ability to serve others, we should follow Jesus’s example in doing this. In whatever capacity we have, giving this service is giving our will to His. As Jesus taught, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt 25:40)
Today, I renew my commitment to Him, and I give Him my heart and my will. Today I have the opportunity to tell my children and my wife that I love them. Today I have the opportunity to do some good. I do not know what will come tomorrow, but whatever will come, I will give thanks to my Lord and my God for another day to do His will. Some days, I may feel tired and worn, and like I cannot go on, and I ask my God if might come unto Him and rest. Nevertheless, He will be done, and I will see it done! Though I am weak and have no power of myself, yet I know with Him, I can do all things which are expedient in Him.
I am grateful that God gave His only begotten son, that we all might have everlasting life, if we should believe in Him!
