This Is the Day

by TIM TEBOW

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

During college and early in my professional career, I felt crushing pressure to perform at my best.

But I’ve gained a new perspective and come to realize, winning that trophy or knocking the ball out of the park is not what matters most.

More than achieving success in this world or doing well in my career, I want to be a believer. A believer, first and foremost, in God. I also want to be a believer in my teammates, in my abilities and a believer in why I’m here. A believer who’s ultimately working for the Lord and serving His purposes, more than anything else.

Think about the people you encounter in your life. Ever notice how some are life-givers and others are life-takers?

Every opportunity we have with someone is an opportunity to influence that person for the good. To give life, not just take it. Because whether we realize it or not, people are watching us. What we say and what we do matters. When we live with purpose, we can make a difference that can leave a lasting impact.

Are you taking enough leaps of faith in your spiritual life that you put what you have on the line so God can show up in a big way? I know it can be hard to do, but it’s always worth the reward. Often, we live so cautiously that we never give God a chance to come through.

You don’t have to have a dream to play professional sports or rule the world. Risk what you have for the sake of helping other people and see what God can do in your life and in others’. Put yourself out there, and do something that might terrify you or make you uncomfortable … like sharing your testimony for the first time or telling a stranger God loves her.

Remember that whatever you do, your main audience is God, not others. That’s why in Colossians, the Apostle Paul reminds us to put our whole heart into everything we do, with God’s purposes in mind. We’re called to live life for God’s glory, as Colossians 3:23 explains: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

I’ve been around so many people who are what I like to call, “one day-ers.” As in, One day, I’m going to go on a missions trip. Or, One day I’m going to tell my dad I love him. Or even, One day I’m going to have a life of purpose.

The only problem with that is, we simply don’t know how many days we will have. And that is why it’s so important to live each day as if it’s the last day you and I have. I know it sounds cliché, but imagine if we did that?

Although pursuing my dreams and giving them everything I’ve got is important, life is about more than just crushing every game. It’s about believing that God can do something significant in whatever your hands find to do — according to His purposes. This is true whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, an executive running meetings, a college student studying for exams or a retiree mentoring the next generation.

This is the day to let God do just that, even when you least expect it.

Dear God, help me to dream dreams that are too big for me to accomplish on my own. I want to have Your purpose in mind, no matter what I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Today's Bible Verse...
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  Ephesians 4:29
  
Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The goal in Christian communication is not just clarity. Neither is the goal just to be understood. The goal is not even just to be truthful. The goal is to be appropriate, encouraging, and uplifting to others based on the needs of that other person.

My Prayer...  

Tender Shepherd, give me a heart that is pure so that my words may be pure. Give me a heart that is kind so that my words may be kind. Give me a heart that is full of joy and encouragement so that I may share these with those you bring to my path and with whom I share conversation. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Unwise Church Planting by Erik Johnson