Something Needs to Change by David PlattSample

Day 5: Opportunities

Once we’re clear that following Jesus means we’re committing ourselves to love God absolutely and others unselfishly, we can turn our attention to the avenues God has given us to live out that calling. 

If we believe God is sovereign and is providentially leading the world to glorify Himself, then we can’t believe our talents and abilities have come to us by accident. Instead of using our careers to add to our bottom line, our reputation, or any other human pursuit, God wants each of us to make our lives count with the grace He has given to us. 

The life that counts is rich toward God and generous toward others. Because we’re disciples of Jesus, our lives should look different from the world around us. We haven’t been blessed to build bigger barns and horde our resources but to use them unselfishly for the sake of the world around us. As God gives grace, we generously pour it out on others. True life is found in radical generosity toward others. 

The life that counts gives generously because it continually rests in the love of God. Jesus called the disciples a "little flock" (v. 32) because He cared for them. God is a Shepherd who protects us, a Father who delights in us, and a King who provides for us. Jesus is committed to our well-being, and in these verses, He tells us that life isn’t found in an accumulation of possessions but in His love for us. Once we grasp that truth, the curse of materialism will be broken in our lives, and we’ll freely give our resources to advance His cause in the world.   

When God gives much to us, we have much to invest for His glory. We’ve been given gifts by God to use for God. How are we using ours? How can we make our lives count by being rich toward God and generous toward others? Spend some time trying to answer these questions today.