Psalm 119:112, “I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway: even unto the end.”
One life is of priceless value to God, and yours is that life! So, let’s determine to give God every day of our life until our dying day. Here are four steps to take to help insure this.
First, you must have a personal relationship with God. Have your quiet time with God each day. Job said that he esteemed the words of God’s mouth more than his necessary food. (Job 23:12) It’s more than necessary that we have God’s Words in our heart.
When our son was three years old he came to me one day and asked, “Can I take the pillows off the couch to make a fort in the Bible room?” After thinking for a minute, I realized that he had seen my husband, me, and our two daughters read our Bibles in the living room each day…so, in his three year old mind, that was the Bible room. Do your children think there is a Bible room in your home?
Second, don’t ever become a scorner. God says that the scorner is to be cast out (Proverbs 22:10), and this certainly doesn’t fit in with our goal of being faithful to God all the days of our lives! We never intend to become a scorner, but even that little, critical thought or that small, questioning comment is leading down that path.
God will remove His hand of blessing from the scorner, and we cannot afford to live without God’s hand of blessing on our life.
Whatever that person did, whatever they said, whatever caused you to bristle inside…give it to God. “Vengeance is mind, I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) Also, we are reminded, “Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25)
Third, walk in integrity. “The just man walketh in his integrity; his children are blessed after him. (Proverbs 20:7)
Certainly, one thing that keeps us going in our cause is to see our physical children and our spiritual children grow and mature and embrace the truths we are working so hard to instill in them.
When we do not have integrity, we cannot reach our goal of serving God all the days of our lives, because the way we serve God is by serving people.
Fourth, keep short accounts with God. When our girls were 3 and 2, I heard a little argument going on in their bedroom. I overheard my 3 year old say, “Alisa, it’s never too late to ask God’s forgiveness. Pray right now.” I grinned as I heard my 2 year old pray, “Dear Jesus, thank you for my food. Amen.” How many of us are like this when God speaks to us about repenting? Are we repentant… or are we just saying words that mean nothing.
Truly, our wonderful God is worthy of our service all the days of our lives!!! But Satan will do all he can to get us off course…unless we take some definite steps to prevent this casualty.