LIVING ONE DAY AT A TIME

by Rev. Thomas R. Mitchell

Do you want to know how to live a good Christian life? The answer is both simple and complex. You live a good Christian life by living it one day at a time. What I’m advocating here is not some sort of 12 step program but rather a Biblically based approach to the reality in which we all live.

Col 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Whatever you do?! What does this mean? It means that wherever God has planted you, bear fruit abundantly until He moves you or no longer has need of you. If He moves you, praise the Lord; continue to bear fruit wherever you may be planted. If your work is done, praise the Lord, you’ll be with Him in glory. Truly, to live is Christ, to die is gain.

The daily grind is what gets to us the most. Oftentimes our lives may seem very unspectacular. Perhaps we are not experiencing the anointing, the excitement, the love or the money that we would like; maybe we feel that we are not being recognized or appreciated for our efforts. Maybe we consider ourselves largely unnoticed in the world’s scheme of things and for that matter...even God’s!

Let me assure you Christian, your life is not unspectacular if you are living for Christ. Far from it! As a matter of fact, God has created you to live just like you are living, provided of course that you are seeking to please Him first in all that you do. Let me exhort you to the fact that you are extremely important in God’s plan. You have fruit to bear and all for His glory! This does not give us the right however to sit around and grow moss! God has far bigger and better ideas. Maybe His ideas are slow paced, maybe they are fast paced...maybe they receive a lot of attention by those around us, maybe they don’t. All of these issues are unimportant as long as God’s will is being done. Sure, the fresh ear of corn gets all of the attention at dinner time, but where would that fresh ear of corn have been without the seed, the water, the dirt or its own roots way back when on the farm?

Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (NKJ)

Yes, fellowship with Christ is our first priority. By spending time with Jesus our lights should continue to shine brightly no matter what the circumstance.

Matt 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Let your light shine brightly! Let your good works glorify your Father in heaven! How does this come to pass? Simple. You depend upon God, not upon yourself. His ways are not your ways and its a good thing!

Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (NKJ)

Your understanding may seek the exciting, the spectacular, the emotional high or worldly reward. Contrary to these aspirations, God seeks to fill you with His righteousness, His love, His patience, virtue and the fullness of His Spirit. Shooting stars are soon gone from memory, its not to be so with you. Learn to further trust God, learn to acknowledge Him and let Him direct your path. Where do such God directed paths lead and how long are they? Good questions but ones not based upon faith or patience. For now, all we can be sure of is that the path of God leads us unto Him. We arrive in His time, not in ours. If you can simply not concern yourself with the direction of the path or how long you are to walk on it, you will arrive at your destination plenty soon enough. Keep your trust in Jesus Christ, only there will you find true peace, purpose and contentment.

Matt 6:34 "So don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time. (TLB)

Today, make a decision to simply trust God. Stand upon the promises of His Word, remind God of His promises to you, keep an attitude of praise, worship and prayer; such a day will surely be a day of change. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Praise be unto Jesus Christ!