For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. Romans 14:7

LIVING UNTO THE LORD

This is a short verse but it says a lot. The context has to do with church members disagreeing over food and special days. Later, Paul says “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” There is a great truth here. Christians do not live isolated from God and others. We have a tendency to desire independence. We want to be, do, and have our desires. We look out for number one – me. Then we wonder why we have no joy. We need to realize that we do not own ourselves. We belong to God.

The choices we make and everything we do affect others for good or evil. Our words and actions can either build people up or tear them down. We may rationalize that we are only hurting ourselves; however, that is one of the devil’s lies. We live before God, among people, and under the lordship of Christ.

“None of us liveth unto himself” – We receive everything we have, and we are to steward all the gifts and talents that God has given us. Each morning when we wake up and breathe God’s air, we can thank God for all He has given us. Our life might be ordinary, but it is sacred, because it is a gift of God. I am to walk in love. Will my normal activities honor the Lord? Will I build up others today? Will I show the same grace to others that God has shown to me?

We begin by yielding ownership to God, desiring for Him to use us to live in His favor before others. Our lives touch others. We might want to live private lives, but none of us can, and God doesn’t want us to. We have the opportunity to show public faithfulness, love, and godly influence.

1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.



Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry