I was recently in a small group and heard the statement “live until you die.” My daughter sang “Live Like You’re Dying” in a concert this week. That’s it. When a theme comes up repeatedly in a short amount of time, I pay attention. I’ve been wondering…am I fully living?

I don’t want to live a dead life. I want to be productive. I want to encourage others, help someone smile, brighten someone’s day, and improve the community around me. I want my family and friends to know I love them. Most of all, I want them to experience Jesus through me…even when they don’t acknowledge him.

Faith by itself—that does nothing—is dead. James 2:17

I don’t want to “do” just for the sake of doing. Keeping busy is not the same as living out my faith. I can do some good things, but if they’re not what I’m supposed to be doing – if I’m not being obedient to God – I’m not living out my faith. Sure, God can use all things, but how much more powerful are my deeds when I’m fully relying on his power and guidance to complete them! I want to glorify him. God is glorified when I yield my own strength and sufficiency to his.

Yielding is a challenge. Seriously, it’s been pounded into me that I can rely on myself and that I have all I need within me! Yet when I yield, I’m in a place and position that is peaceful, comforting, and strengthening all at once. I don’t have a limitless source of motivation, energy, and goodness within myself. God is my source. He keeps me filled – when I spend what he’s given me.

God gives me energy. I use it to live for him. He gives me more.

God gives me resources. I use them to live for him. He gives me more.

God gives me strength. I use it to live for him. He gives me more.

Who is your source? Are you fully living until you die?

We pray that with his power God will help you do the good things you want and perform the works that come from your faith. 2 Thessalonians 1:11