Live for what's important

“For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” Philippians 1:20,21 NLT

As reported by the Johnson City Press last week, Eli Cramer, a sophomore and long-distance track athlete at Milligan University, was fatally struck by a car on Thursday while running in preparation for the Colonial Relays, according to a release from the school. Two other Milligan athletes were taken to a local hospital. In a statement released to the Press, Milligan University said: ”We are incredibly shocked and saddened to share that members of our men’s cross country/track & field team were involved in an accident involving a vehicle this evening while running near Williamsburg, Virginia. “Sophomore Eli Cramer succumbed to his injuries. Seniors Alex Mortimer and Eli Baldy also were injured. Mortimer currently is undergoing treatment. Baldy was treated and released. We covet your prayers during this difficult time, especially for the Cramer family,” the release said. In a video later posted to Facebook by the university, Mortimer said from his hospital bed that he suffered a broken leg and dislocated shoulder and thanked everyone for their prayers for him, the team and the university. “I want to say that moments like this make you realize what is and is not important in your life,” Mortimer said, and he said “do not forsake or discount the beauty and the gift of life."

And you know, when it comes to living this life for what's important, you and I would do well to follow the example of Paul who lived his life not to preserve and promote himself, but to glorify Jesus Christ. You see, Paul knew that devoting the ‘gift of life’ he had been given in service back to the Creator of that life was the only pursuit worthy of chasing; something Paul did with such passion that it allowed him to proclaim, "For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better." Paul was able to “be bold for Christ," no matter the consequences, because he wasn't afraid to die, completely confident that death would allow him to see Jesus face-to-face. This attitude allowed Paul to live a life that brought "honor to Christ." 

So let me ask you this my friend... are you living for yourself or are you living for Christ? If it's not for Christ, I can assure you that one day you'll look back and realize that you lived for what was of no importance at all. Live a life that brings "honor to Christ" today and you'll reap rewards both now and in the beautiful life to come. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us how precious life is and how quickly a freak accident can bring it to an end. Teach us to realize what a gift each day is Lord, that we wouldn't waste even one of them in the vain pursuit of worldly things that ultimately have no importance. Cause us to be completely unafraid to die Lord so that we can boldly live for You. May we consider it a privilege and honor to lay down our lives in service to You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!