Power Of A Life Well Lived

Key Scripture:  "Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it!"  Philippians 3:16 The Message

Power Point:

     Recently, astronaut Neil Armstrong died. As I was watching the news reporting on his life, they showed him making a comment that really caught my attention. He said, “We all want to be known not for one piece of fireworks but for the ledger of our daily work.” Isn’t that a truth we need to remember?

     You’ve often read about people who have one glorious moment in their lives but somehow that moment doesn’t carry them forward. Years later you read that they have not done well in life. It’s really important that we learn how to make sure that the ledger of our daily lives describes a life well lived isn’t it?

     When I think about the apostle Paul, he is a great example of leaving behind exactly that, a life well lived.  Fortunately for us, we have the ledger. He probably had many “shining moments” as a Pharisee. In fact, he describes himself as a “Pharisee of the Pharisees.” Then on the way to Damascus one day, probably an ordinary Tuesday, he had a definite “fireworks” moment when he met the Son of God up close and personal. That would have been quite a moment to write about, but as you follow his life through the pages of scripture, it’s easy to see that he redirected his life to reflect that moment.  From that point on, he steadily, patiently, joyfully, graciously persisted in crafting a life that honored that moment. In his own words, “I’m well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me...I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward-to Jesus. I’m off and running and I’m not turning back.” And he didn’t.

     The thing about Paul that most affects me is the heart that he had for making sure others could run the race with him. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to help and encourage others in their race. And in addition to that, he gave us a ledger of powerful truth that was evident in his life. He chose joy, he understood peace, and he basked continually in the joy of his salvation. He never lost the "fireworks" moment. He kept it sparkling and it resulted in a changed life that honored Jesus.

     When people read our ledgers someday at the end of our lives, I hope they will find believers who believed, sowers who reaped, people who listened and obeyed and pressed on and honored Christ every single day. That would be a book worth reading wouldn’t it?

Power Thought:

Paul’s ledger made the best-seller list.  I believe ours can too.