Living for Whom or What?

[From Spurgeon's Morning & Evening] Christ is EVERLASTING. Of Him we may sing with David, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever." Rejoice, believer, in Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Jesus always was. The Babe born in Bethlehem was united to the Word, which was in the beginning, by Whom all things were made. The title by which Christ revealed Himself to John in Patmos was, "Him which is, and which was, and which is to come." (Psalms 93:1-5 NASB)

I met Frank when I was either 30 or 31 years of age (shocking, I know). I thought I was a pretty "modern" female and embraced change gracefully (that there is an adverb), even exuberantly (another adverb). I wander. Oh yes….Frank….was like this live-wire from another galaxy, far, far away. He was so ALIVE. As our relationship progressed, I was constantly surprised and delighted to find a soul mate. In the genesis of our relationship, I confessed to Frank my concern (okay, honestly it was fear) he would eventually find me dull and boring. He locked his gaze upon me and looked out at me through those wicked green windows (some call eyes) and smiled that impossibly adorable impish smile, which would remind most of you of someone who has a secret to tell, but will not. At this point in our relationship, he warned me HE was the "calm" one in his family. He believed I would find him dull and boring long before he found me dull and boring. I began to hope and eventually believe he knew what he was talking about (that he wouldn't find me dull and boring). With the huge exception, I have yet to find Frank dull or boring. He still fascinates me…causes butterflies in my stomach….and is still so ALIVE. I've discovered he is not from a galaxy, far, far away…the one he's from is much closer by about 1-2 hundred thousand light years! Because of Frank, I have a better understanding of God's unconditional love for me…a deeper relationship with God…and a greater desire to care more about what God thinks of me, rather than people. It is hard to fathom, but I am more in-love with Frank today, than I was when I first married him. And, I believe the same is true of him for me.

Before you think I'm getting all mushy and romantical on you, read on my devoted following of two. Can you fathom, can you get your heart around the fact our God never changes and is everlasting? Do you rest in the significance that our Lord and Savior is the same "yesterday, today & forever?

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?" Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.
(Hebrews 13:5-9 NASB)

It is interesting to notice as we fall in love with God and search to know Him, it SEEMS He changes. The reality is, it is us who is changing and by God's work via the Holy Spirit, He is conforming us more and more to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Who are your friends? What are the influences in your life? Are they encouraging you to grow in your relationship with Christ? Are they cheering you on to fall in-love, more and more with Him? Chances are, if you find your friends, your activities, your interests more ALIVE and worth your time than pursuing Christ, you are just living in the moment.

Are you living in the moment or living in Christ?