Today's Devotional

December 27, 2004

Subject:  A Life That Matters

Galatians 2:20 - "I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

The sports world was shocked at the sudden death of all-star defensive lineman, Reggie White.  White, an ordained minister, dominated the defensive lineman position for many years in the National Football League and became known as the "Minister of Defense."  For all he did on the football field, his accomplishments off the field are what the people are talking about today.

As I listened to former coaches, players, owners and teammates of Reggie White talk about Reggie, the man, they all talked about how great a person he was.  Surely all of these people weren't Christians, but they could all testify to the godly character of Reggie White.  Reggie lived a life that mattered.  It didn't matter because he was able to become an all-star playing professional football and it didn't matter because he was able to amass lots of money to help the needy.  Reggie's life mattered simply because, at age 17, he decided to live the Christ life.  

When your life is over here, your accomplishments will matter little and without Christ, your impact on the lives of those left behind will be futile.  However, what will make the difference in whether your life had meaning or whether it was futile will be whether you lived it for Christ.  The crucified life means that you're not so concerned about what people say while you're here, you're concerned about what God says when you're gone.  Will He say "well done" or will He say "depart from me...?"  If you live the crucified life, then you will have lived a life on earth that made a difference.  God will say "well done" and you will have lived a life that matters.

Carlen