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If We Die—We Will Live

Paul says he is bound like a criminal, but the Word is not bound. He endures everything for the Word of God, the gospel, and the elect. Oh Lord, we lose perspective. We do not always think or live like Paul. We live in a world driven by selfish desires. Sometimes we lose sight of our salvation and purpose.

Take a close look at today's Scriptures and ask the Lord to help you see your life in light of the gospel. Ask the Lord to open the eyes of your heart to see Jesus and the gospel more clearly than ever before. Live your life knowing you have been bought with a price for a purpose.

• Ephesians 2:8-10
• Ephesians 5:14-21
• 1 Peter 2:24
• 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, 9

God’s mission for us is so important and serious, yet we often miss it. We can be easily and profoundly influenced by the world around us.

Lord, help us, hear what Paul is saying.

There are various factors that keep us from hearing well. We have a hard time listening when our perspective is different. Our minds are cluttered with our own way of seeing things. Paul has clear eyes and a divine perspective.

What if you only had days to live and you were leaving your adult children as they journey through their Christian life, not to meet them again until heaven?

Think to yourself, “What if I were writing this letter?” What would be on your mind? What would your perspective be? Consider setting aside time today or in the next few days to write a letter to one of your loved ones, sharing your love for them and the Lord. Express to them the importance of Christ and the gospel.

Take the Truth to Heart

Look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of your faith (Heb. 12:2), and choose one Scripture from 2 Timothy 1:1-7 that the Lord is using to renew your mind and transform your heart (Rom. 12:2). Note it in your note-taking app.

How is God using this Scripture to teach, instruct, reprove, correct, encourage, or train you (2 Tm. 3:16-17)? Record this and refer to it this week. Take God’s Word to heart. Submit to it. Remember God’s love in the gospel, your death with Christ, and His life in you.