Living for the Moment | Week 2 | Pastor Mike Stephens

Living for the Moment: 30 Days to Live

In today’s fast-paced world, we often overlook the importance of living meaningfully. Pastor Mike Stephens challenges us to reflect on how we would live if we had just 30 days left, emphasizing the need to embrace our identity as the ‘salt and light’ of the world. Let’s explore how we can maximize our time and impact those around us.

Introduction and Theme

This blog post explores the profound theme of living intentionally, especially when faced with the reality of limited time. It encourages readers to reflect on their lives and consider how they would act if they had just 30 days to live. This concept serves as a powerful motivator to evaluate priorities, relationships, and the impact one has on the world.

Understanding Our Time on Earth

Life is fleeting. Each moment is a precious gift that should not be taken for granted. The idea of having only 30 days left to live forces us to confront our daily routines and the choices we make. Are we living to our fullest potential? Are we making meaningful connections? This reflection is crucial for personal growth and fulfillment.

The Challenge: 30 Days to Live

Imagine being given just 30 days to live. What would you prioritize? Would you spend time with loved ones, resolve lingering conflicts, or pursue passions you’ve shelved? This challenge invites us to live with urgency and purpose. It’s about making every moment count and ensuring that we leave a lasting legacy.

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents a radical shift in thinking about life and values. He addresses a mixed audience, many of whom were entrenched in religious traditions. His teachings challenge societal norms and emphasize the importance of internal character over external actions. The Beatitudes, for instance, offer a countercultural perspective, valuing humility and mercy over power and wealth.

Our Identity: Salt of the Earth

Jesus declares that we are the ‘salt of the earth.’ This identity is foundational. Salt, in ancient times, was a precious commodity, valued for its ability to preserve and enhance flavor. Understanding our identity as salt compels us to consider how we influence the world around us. Are we preserving goodness and truth in our communities?

The Purpose of Salt

Salt serves multiple purposes: it preserves, enhances flavor, and heals. As Christ-followers, we are called to embody these roles. We must engage with the world, preserving the teachings of Christ and sharing His love. Our presence should bring healing and hope to those around us. Reflect on what kind of ‘fruit’ you produce in your interactions. Do others feel uplifted, heard, and valued after encountering you?

• Preservative: Just as salt preserves food, we are to preserve the Word of God in our lives and share it with others.
• Enhancer: Salt enhances the flavor of food, much like we should enhance the lives of those around us through kindness and compassion.
• Healer: Our presence should be a source of healing. We should strive to uplift those who are hurting, providing them with hope and support..

As we embark on this journey of living intentionally, let us remember our identity and the purpose we hold. Each day is an opportunity to make a difference, to be the salt that preserves and enhances the world. Embrace the challenge of living as if you had only 30 days left. It’s time to act with purpose and passion.

Our Identity: Light of the World

As followers of Christ, we are called to be the ‘light of the world.’ This identity is crucial; light dispels darkness and illuminates the path for others. It is our responsibility to shine brightly, guiding those around us towards hope and truth.

The Purpose of Light

Light serves three essential purposes in our lives as believers. Firstly, light gives life. Just as plants rely on sunlight for photosynthesis, we are to provide life to those around us through our actions and words. Our encouragement can uplift others and bring positivity into their lives.

• Life Giver: Be an encourager. Your smile or a kind word can significantly impact someone’s day.
• Spectrum of Light: Each of us has unique gifts and backgrounds. When we unite our individual lights for a common purpose, we create a vibrant tapestry that reflects Christ’s love.
• Invasive Light: Light should not be hidden. We are meant to shine brightly, pushing back the darkness in our communities and beyond.

Overcoming Obstacles to Being Salt and Light

Despite our calling, we often face obstacles that hinder our ability to shine. Pride and insecurity are two significant barriers that can obscure our light. Pride makes us self-focused, while insecurity can prevent us from stepping out in faith.

To combat pride, we must remember that our light is not ours but a reflection of Christ’s glory. Humility allows us to serve others better and be a true source of light. Insecurity, on the other hand, can be addressed by understanding our identity in Christ. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, equipped to fulfill our purpose.

The Impact of Our Actions

Our actions are a reflection of our identity as salt and light. When we live authentically, our good deeds shine brightly, pointing others to God. The scripture encourages us to let our light shine so that others may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

Consider the question: if someone were to observe your life, would they see a reflection of God’s love and grace? Our daily interactions should serve as a testament to our faith, inspiring others to seek a relationship with Him.

Living Boldly for God

In a world filled with challenges, we are called to live boldly for God. This means stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing our identity as the salt and light of the earth. We should not shy away from opportunities to share our faith but instead, seize them with courage and conviction.

Being bold for God requires a willingness to be vulnerable and authentic in our relationships. It involves sharing our stories of faith and the hope we find in Christ. When we live with purpose, we invite others to experience the transformative power of God’s love.

Ultimately, our lives should be a reflection of God’s character. As we strive to be the salt and light, we contribute to a world that tastes and sees the goodness of God. Let us embrace our identity and purpose, living each day as if we have only 30 days left, making a lasting impact on those around us.