“You should live in a way
that proves you belong to the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” (1
Thessalonians 2:12 GW)
The Kingdom of God is a present reality. It’s what we’re to be doing on
the earth right now. The power of God is the present resource. It’s the energy
you get to do what God wants you to do once you’re surrendered and submitted to
his will.
God’s glory is the reason. It’s not
the reality or the resource. It is the present reason for everything. It’s all
for God’s glory.
Romans 11:36 says, “Everything comes from him
and exists by his power and is intended for his glory” (NLT).
I talk to people all the time who say, “I have so much, and yet I feel
unfulfilled. I’ve got a good family. I’ve got a good job. I’ve got great kids.
I’ve got good friends. I’ve got a good congregation to be a part of. Why am I
so unfulfilled?” It’s because you were made for more than this! You were made
for more than survival. You will never find fulfillment in life until you begin
to live in God’s Kingdom, by God’s power, and for God’s glory.
How do you live a fulfilled life — the kind of life that you were designed
by God to live?
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 2:12, “You should live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls
you into his kingdom and glory” (GW).
What does it mean to live in God’s Kingdom? It means you make God’s agenda
your agenda. You make God’s will your will. You care about what God cares
about. Whatever you want God to bless, put him first in that area.
What does it mean to put God first in your life? I made up a little
acrostic, FIRST, to give you five things you need to put God first in.
Finances: If you want God to bless your finances, even during a recession,
you must tithe. Sorry! There’s no other alternative.
Interests: Put him first in your hobbies, your career, and your
recreation. Give God first consideration in every decision.
Relationships: Put him first in your family, your marriage, and your
friendships.
Schedule: That means you give him the first part of every day. You get up
and sit on the side of your bed every morning and say, “God if I don’t get
anything else done today, I just want to love you a little bit more and know
you a little bit better.”
Troubles: You need to turn to God first when you have a problem. Prayer
should never be your last resort. It should be your first choice.
This devotional ©2013 by Rick Warren. All rights
reserved. Used by permission.
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