Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Col. 3:1
Do not live according to the dictates of other people and do not be bound by the temptations of earthly sin. When the world saw Christians living a different standard in a godless society, they took notice.
In 1997 Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey became parents to 7 babies. Their church provided an excellent witness of their faith in Christ. They were advised by various medical personnel to have an abortion, but fully convinced God was sovereign, they refused. The threat even on the life of Bobbi was not a deterrent to their convictions. Even Time magazine article stated their faith was rewarded. "Repeated references to God and miracles, by doctors as well as relatives, may seem old fashioned, even corny, but in the face of such passion and tenderness, it was hard for even the most cynical onlooker to remain unmoved."
As devout Baptists, Bobbi and Kenny feel that a relationship with God is central to ensuring that their eight offspring become caring adults. Now several years later they are active and healthy. The McCaughey’s are a faithful couple, loving and serving the Lord.
The real testimony of their love for God made a difference in their decisions, even when experts of the community gave different advice. They were, and still are willing to leave the consequences up to the Lord, for ultimately, we all belong to Him and it is all about Him.
Making Jesus Christ Lord of our lives makes a difference how we are to live, not according to man’s laws, but according to God's laws.
How we live is really a love question. The greatest struggle for most is the love of self. The throne belongs to us and our wants and our decisions, and our priorities. Paul saw life differently when God captured his heart and passion. “For me to live is Christ. To die is gain.” He said in Philippians 3:13-14, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” His new nature was enlivened as he now had a new purpose and new love.
Jesus honored the prayer of the man with doubts when the man prayed, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” He was asking for a new heart.
The greatest of the commands is to love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
He has the focus of our hearts; our lives will change. When Christ has only a portion of our lives, not much different will happen. We can try to change by our own efforts, but the heart of the matter is the heart of our attention.
Application: Faith is first a refocusing of our heart. It enlivens our new nature. Ask God to help refocus your heart.
Prayer: Lord, refocus my heart. Help me to take myself off the throne of life and press on toward the goal for which You have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
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