Only one life

  A few events have happened in my life recently that opened my eyes to the real meaning and worth of life. Not that long ago, someone I knew committed suicide. I didn't know him well, but it shocked me all the same. How could someone take their life like that? It made me think about the value of life, and how some people see it, and some don't. I think you all have probably heard the term YOLO (you only live once). People usually use this in a negative aspect - "to party" and "live it up while you can". Life is precious. Life is valuable, and life is short. Your life is all you have to give! Will you make your time here on Earth worth it? YOU matter to God. He put you here for a reason. Not just to "live it up" and get as much fun out of it as you can, but to make a difference. To live a life for Him.

Here are some things that need to be realized about life:

1)  We're here for a reason

Rev 4:11  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. 

If you are a Christian, you know that you did not evolve from monkeys, you know that life isn't just an accident; an amazing freak act of nature. Life has purpose. We have a creator. We were created by a loving God! You weren't an accident. You are part of God's beautiful plan! We must realize that everyone was put here on Earth for a reason, and that reason is to love and glorify God. You are special in God's eyes. You are his child! To wish that you had never been born would be a serious offense against God. He created and died for you! You are his masterpiece - to destroy something so valuable would be so sad. You have a purpose. If you follow God and His will you'll see that!

2) We must not only realize the worth of our life, but the worth of other peoples lives too.
1 John 4:11  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
Be compassionate; be loving. Never be hesitant to give a helping hand. I think so many lives could have been saved if someone just went out of their way to be kind to a person in need. We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone! There are people hurting all around us. You're not the only one who has doubts, troubles, and tribulations. Reach out to others! You'd want them to do the same for you. A helping hand, or an encouraging word can go a long way. Show to others the love Christ shows for you!

3) Realize that we live for someone much bigger than ourselves
Rom 14:7-8 - For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. 

I believe that if we come to the point of complete and utter discouragement, life is not the problem. Who we're living for is! Most of us are living for ourselves and when we live for self we'll become discontent and unhappy. God did not put us here to live for ourselves. You can't find fulfillment in living for just you. You must live for God. He is where peace and joy comes from. Not yourself, or things of this world. The root problem, I think, for depression and a lack of love for life is really just who we're living for. The world tells us to live for ourselves, to love ourselves, and to do anything to make ourselves happy. The truth is we can't find real fulfillment in ourselves; because we'll fail ourselves daily. We are bound to fail. We are imperfect people. But God does not fail! If we're living for his honor and for his glory we won't find ourselves hating our life. God gave you your life - Love and embrace it....but for Him. Set your eyes on bigger things. Don't love yourself; love Christ and through him you'll realize that you have purpose. You have value.
Love God, the creator of life, and you'll love your life!

4) Life is short 
James 4:14 - Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 

I don't know if you realized yet or not, but life is short. Very short. All we have to give to God is our life. That may seem huge to you,and it is, but in reality our life is short. But if we make today count;  If we make our short time here on Earth count; it will last forever. One day you will meet God and you will stand before him. I believe we will all ask ourselves some questions and reevaluate our lives. Did my life make a difference? Did I shine bright for Christ? Did I surrender all? When we get to heaven someday, the world and it's things won't matter. Only the things we did for God will matter. What are you living for today? Live for the best thing; live for God. Love your life that he has given you! You won't regret it.

Matthew 22:37 - Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 

Keep shining bright

~Brittney