Have you ever thought about it? Are you merely surviving or are you thriving? I'm not talking about status, financial wealth, etc.--the things of this world. I'm talking about thriving--living the abundant life Jesus promised. John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. The thief (satan) intends to steal our joy and thwart our efforts to live life to the fullest that God intends.
There are so many things in this world that can take our focus away from God. Having a prominent status, financial wealth, etc. are not bad in and of themselves. It is when we put them before God. God does not share His glory. The first commandment found in Exodus 20:3 says, You shall have no other gods before Me. You may think of the golden calf the Israelites created, but today, that golden calf may look like a job, kids' sports activities, a car, a house--anything that is placed before your worship of a Holy God. God calls us to an intimiate relationship with him. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8
Did you know that God is jealous? Deteronomy 4:24 says, "For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
Surviving is living with the weight of your sin, burdened by this world and trying to make it through on your own. It is attempting to 'work' for your salvation; still trying to be 'good enough'. Thriving is acknowledging God's sovereignty over all things and giving your burdens to him. It is praising Him in the midst of uncertainty. For many years I was a 'surviving' Christian, still attempting to work for the salvation that I was given through grace. Even though I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior through faith by grace alone I was still attempting to 'be good enough' and always failing. The weight of this was too heavy for me and prevented me from living a life that thrives in the love and grace that was given to me. I was deceived. The thief (satan) was stealing my joy and destroying the hope of Christ within me.
It seems absurd now but I think many Christians live under this umbrella of working for salvation that was freely given. I no longer feel obligated to 'work' for my salvation. I now freely accept the gift of God and desire to share that gift with others. I can truly love God and others. I'm no longer surviving....I'm thriving in the grace and mercy of my Lord and Savior.
I pray that if you have been like me, attempting to work out your salvation rather than accepting it as God intended that you would come before God and give it to Him. There is such an immense freedom and love that comes from truly resting in God's grace.
