Live it up!

Usually when you hear the phrase "Live it up", it's followed by something that sounds utterly ridiculous, but how do we really live our lives so they are not wasted?

No matter what age we are, society seems to be telling us that our life is best fulfilled when we're content with worldy success. 'We should be joyous when we look like celebrities. We should feel joy when we have multiple sexual partners. We should have joy when we're rich and can go to the club with whoever we want and pop bottles. We should feel joy when we have that new car that everyone else is driving. We should feel joy when we don't really have to work for what we're earning. so basically- WE SHOULD FEEL JOY THROUGH EVERYTHING BUT THE AUTHOR OF JOY- JESUS CHRIST."

SORRY! THEY'VE GOT IT ALL WRONG MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS!

The examples are not meant for you to take literally or be offended by. If they were, the point that is coming from this would not get driven home. There are few in this generation of young folk that realize that joy comes from our Lord and Saviour. You won't get it anywhere else. You might say - "What are you talking about? I'm always happy whether or not I have Jesus." Well, my friend, happiness and joy are two different things. Happiness is an emotion- it can come and go when it pleases. Joy is something that is eternal and comes from the fact that we are going to live eternally with our Daddy. Now, that's precious and something worth celebrating! I don't think there are enough cars, shoes, and boys in the world to make me give up my joy in the fact that after this world is over and through, I'm going to be chillin' with God in Heaven.

So if you're striving to look like that celebrity that is sooo cute or striving to get that girl you like to feel complete and finally have that lasting joy, I encourage you to GIVE UP! There's nothing more pleasing, more beautiful, more lasting, more satisfying, more fulfilling than letting Jesus into our hearts. If you find that you can't stop thinking about the worldy cravings you have, take it to Him. Tell Him. Let Him satisfy you and turn you in a better direction.

Now, don't get me wrong- there's nothing wrong with hoping in God for a new car, treating ourselves to a makeover, having a boyfriend/girlfriend, or going out dancing (hmm.. the last one can be debatable). The problem occurs when we make these things Lords over our lives. When these things become our biggest pursuits. When these things become bigger to us then our God. Don't get caught in the never ending race to satisfy yourself with worldy things. But as Paul says, "Run the race in such a way as to win the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)REJOICE IN THIS! Paul said- FOREVER!! I pray that we are running the race in the best way we can and not running after things that will perish. If you really want to "Live it up", this is the best way to do it.

Peace and Love,
GM