Monday, May 8, 2017
1 Peter 1:17-21 Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
THE EASTER LIFESTYLE
What's your lifestyle? Is it an active one? Are you constantly on the move, going from school and work to activities and shopping and then back home to take care of the garden and yard? Maybe because of age or preference, your lifestyle is less hectic. Our income affects lifestyle in terms of where we live and what we can afford to buy. Living in the U. S., we have a lifestyle much different than the average person in a country like Nepal.
But have you ever thought about an Easter lifestyle? Christ's resurrection from the dead really has a greater impact on our attitudes and how we live than anything else. Because Jesus rose, we know beyond a doubt that our sins have been paid for. Peace with God has been won. Think of what a difference that makes in how we look at life. We don't have to wonder where we stand with God. We don't have to live in dread of what He is going to do to us because of our guilt. We already know. He punished Jesus in our place and pronounced us justified. We know what to do with our daily shortcomings. We can echo David: "I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD'--and you forgave the guilt of my sin" (Psalm 32:5).
An Easter lifestyle reflects the truth that we have a risen and living Lord. We don't have to wander aimlessly day to day, swept along with the social tide of what's trending or popular. We have the Lord's Word as a lamp to our feet and a light for our path. By faith we know that a truly meaningful, happy life is one which follows the Lord's will and seeks to honor Him in all that we plan and do. It's a life which reflects Jesus' light into the lives of those around us, that they too may trust Him for forgiveness and life. It's a lifestyle with the ultimate destination of an eternal, heavenly home. It's a lifestyle to embrace and thank God for every day!
