Living It Up!

Some people seem to really be getting down to “living it up.” They “party hardy” any chance they get. However, in reality are they REALLY LIVING? How do they feel the next day? What is their reaction when others tell them how they acted when they were partying hardy? Though they may have been seen as “the life” of the party, in their “living it up” to what depths did they actually bring themselves down?

In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus, he exhorted. . .
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, URGE YOU TO WALK IN A MANNER WORTHY OF THE CALLING to which you have been called,” ( Ephesians 4:1 ESV)

The Greek word translated “walk” is “peripatesai”, from “peripateo”, which means “to walk” and is a word also used for the state in which one is living, which is how Paul appears to have used the word in this passage. The Greek word “pateo” means “to walk” and with “peri” added for “peripateo” the literal idea conveyed is “to walk around.” Paul was urging the Ephesians to consider the manner in which they were seen to walk around in life. What did their attitude and behavior say about their having been called to Christ? Because of their relationship with Jesus, what characterized their daily living?

As we focus on the blessings we have received in Christ what do people see? Do they perceive a great sense of hope? Are we seen to be very joyful even in the midst of life’s challenges? Is our life marked by a selfless love for even those not so easy to love? Do others see a calming peace in our life because we believe in a God Who is fully aware of our life and holds our eternity securely in His hands? Are we also seen to uphold a higher standard of integrity and a more uncompromising consistency of action than that of the world in general? Is this the living we are getting down to?

When we consider the impact on our attitude and life perspective, though there are various circles of life that may offer a measure of some of the blessings just noted, I would submit that Christianity is the only life that offers it all! Therefore, in Christ, we are the ones who ought to be seen as being able to “live it up” in the truest sense. We need to always be mindful of how the manner in which we live can be one of the greatest selling points for Christianity and thus the provider of opportunities for sharing the message of salvation in Christ.

As Paul wrote to Timothy, he urged him to instruct the rich to be careful in the focus on their wealth so that they would be seen to be “rich in good works” and therefore be able to “take hold of that which is TRULY LIFE.” ( 1 Timothy 6:18-19) Let us continue focusing on the wonderful life to which we have been called so that our life will be lived in a manner in which others may see what TRULY LIVING actually is and the unsurpassed blessings it provides for now and eternity. May our life daily reflect how great living is found through “living it up” to God’s standard.

Have a great day GETTING DOWN TO LIVING THE TRUE LIFE IN CHRIST!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Christian Living