What Are the Top 3 Things You Want to Live and Teach?
We hear a lot of talk about living out your vision and purpose. You may not have a clear vision of the plan God has for your life, but that doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying a fulfilled life. Consider your heart’s desire. Perhaps God’s vision for you is tied to that.
Instead of dawdling about waiting on a clear vision from God, move forward with the desires God had placed in your heart- especially if they do not oppose His Word. Think about those things that are are important to you; things you would want to be reminded of if you lost focus; things you would want to share with others? Let those things fuel your actions from day to day. There could be dozens of ways you might live these things out, but there’s a good chance, these core desires won’t change. These are the things that will guide your living and you’ll come back to time and again.
So, what are the top 3 things you want to live and teach? You may already know. If you don’t, take some time to think about it. Live your life in light of those things. Don’t assume there will be opportunity down the line. It’s easy to get off track and overly focused on the wrong things. You’ll get lost in long days full of lesser important things until God intervenes with sickness or some other forced rest. This is a grace because He could let you keep going and going, until you are gone. So, go back to your priorities. What are the three most important things to you- things you would strive to live out and strive to impress upon others as time wraps up?
Here are three to consider.
- Love and obey Jesus, Who is the Word of God; and love Him earnestly according to the Word of God. At the end of our days, where we stand in Christ will matter most. That means living a life that reveals this truth right now; let the love of Christ shine in you, through you, and on to others.
- Foster healthy relationships. It requires spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical well-being to consistently show up in the lives of others in impactful ways. Don’t be so involved in work, activities, and “stuff,” that you neglect to be present in the lives of your loved ones. It doesn’t take a lot of time, but it does require you to be present sometimes, and to be fully present when present. Make the time count.
- Be a good steward. Whatever talents, skills, abilities, knowledge, or resources you have- even money; honor God and help others. Humble yourself, acknowledge God, and be happy to bless, help, teach, and influence positive change. Don’t waste whatever you’ve been gifted. Don’t take what you have to the grave. In big ways and small ways, do good by whatever good comes your way. Keep learning and growing and sharing.
Whether any of the above show up in your top 3 , this is an exercise worth repeating. You can do so on schedule or whenever you feel out of alignment. Coming back to the basics puts everything else in perspective. For me, there’s nothing more important than my love and obedience to God, fostering healthy relationships, and being a good and active steward.