joyfullywed

Everyone wants to know their life matters. We all want to know we’re going to make an impact-that it matters that we were here on this earth.

I am now nearing the end of my twenties and the fantastic fact that I am not immortal has finally caught up with me.  With marriage and kids already a part of my life, I am realizing my story is being written with each passing moment.

I want to know that even though I most likely will never be famous, never be the pioneer of some great invention or never save the lives of thousands, that I can look back and know that this one, fairly simple but precious life I have was lived well.  The practical question begs to be asked, how in the world can I know I am working towards this on a daily basis?

For me, there are two basic themes this has boiled down to, and within those, there are questions that we can all be asking ourselves to search our lives and hearts-making sure that we are being ever so intentional (no matter how mundane or busy life is) with the short time we’ve been given.

SEEKING TO BRING GLORY TO GOD

From this, everything follows-this is what life is all about for the one who is a follower of Christ. I know that if I am faithful to God’s call to make His name famous and surrender my life to Him, I have and will live a life not wasted.

Am I investing into my walk with the Lord; carving out intentional time with Him in Scripture and prayer so that I become more like Him?

Am I reading solid Christian books that challenge me?

Am I sitting under a Pastor who doesn’t just tell me things that make me feel good but that challenges me and causes me to grow in depth of wisdom and understanding of my Lord?

Am I being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s nudging or am I ignoring Him?

Am I going before the Lord in prayer in all major decisions in life?

Do I have friends and mentors who love me enough to tell me hard truths?

Am I seeking to bring glory to God above myself-putting my own desires and comfort aside in order to be obedient and faithful to the Lord?

BEING INTENTIONAL

With My Family

How am I taking time to pursue my spouse?

Am I doing this regularly or am I becoming complacent in my marriage?

Am I spending both time and money to invest into this area of utmost importance?

Do my kids know they are not a bother to me?

Am I taking intentional time to do the things that matter to them; to invest into them spiritually and educationally?

When they need to be disciplined, am I sure to make it a time of intentionality instead of something done out of anger?

With My Talents

How am I gifted?

Have I sought the wisdom of others and prayed that God would reveal my spiritual and natural gifting?

What invigorates me?

What am I passionate about?

What goals have I set for myself, my family and my friendships, and what steps am I taking to meet them?

 

In Scripture, James reminds us to not just listen to Scripture-thus deceiving ourselves that we’re okay. We are supposed to act-to do what it says to do.  I know these suggestions above are all very basic, these are the types of questions we can start with to make sure we are not merely coasting through this precious life God has given to us.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17)