01. Live Faithfully unto Death

 

God’s Bucket List for You, part 10

 Introduction

In the final item on God’s bucket list for you, this is also the first that needs to be desired. It’s the hardest of all ten as it is a lifelong commitment. Oftentimes, when one hears what they must do to become a Christian, they hear baptism as the last step.

But once you become baptized, it’s not the end, but only the beginning. Jesus said in Revelation 2:10, “…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

 

Will You Live for Jesus?

How often have you heard people, supposedly Christians, say that they would die for Jesus? If their life were threatened, if they were challenged to renounce God, etc. Over and over people boldly say that they would give up their life for Jesus.

But how many of these same people would live for Jesus; day in and day out? It’s only when their freedom of religion is threatened that they suddenly “come alive” for God and Jesus. They’ll stand tall in the face of fear, but in the day-to-day drudgery, they’re not as faithful.

The life of a Christian is not one that’s always on the frontline unless you do work overseas; in third world countries. It’s the maintaining your life from the time you get out of bed in the morning to the time you pillow your head at night. Going to work, going to school, spending time with friends and family, and so on.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Your life might not be in danger, daily, but you can still be an example to your family, friends, and loved ones. Just as Jesus was an example to us (1 Pet. 2:21), we need to be an example to the world.

Living for Jesus

Here are some ways that will help you live faithfully even unto death:

To Walk Like a Christian—

1.   Walk worthily. The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. Always walk the strait and narrow path (Mt. 7:14). Also, written in Proverbs 4:26-27, Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.

 

2.   Walk by the Spirit—Paul also wrote in Galatians 5:25, If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Do things for the purpose of God not the purpose of Man.

 

3.   Walk as a wise person—Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:15, See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise. Be careful that you don’t tread in someone else’s sins.

 

4.   Walk in the Light—Again, Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. John adds to this, But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

 

To Talk like a Christian—

1.   Choose your words carefully—Paul wrote in Colossians 4:6, Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

 

2.   Avoid Idle talk—Jesus warned in Matthew 12:36, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”

 

3.   Don’t be a Gossip—Paul wrote to Timothy, And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not (1 Timothy 5:13).

 

4.   Please God rather than Men—Paul states in Galatians 1:10, For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

 

Continue in your studies—

1.   Study your bible—Paul tells Timothy, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). It’s not enough to simply read your bible. You must study to understand what it is your reading and why it says what it does.

 

2.   Attend worship Often—As the writer of Hebrews states, cg (Hebrews 10:24-25). You can’t edify the brethren or be edified by the brethren if you don’t show up for services.

 

3.   Share the gospel with others—As Paul writes to Timothy, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We need to let everyone know this and that they can become a New Testament Christian as well.

 

Conclusion

Although this is the hardest on the list, remember that you do not have to go it alone…ever! You have the brethren of your local congregation, every faithful child of God all over the world, and; most importantly, you have God the Father; and our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ to help you in your times of triumphs and tragedies.

Start your walk with God today and work on this bucket list. The more you accomplish, the more you will be fulfilled.