Living a Life of Significance

Success is when I add value to myself - Significance is when I add value to others. - John C Maxwell
This past Sunday our church shared communion together as a part of our worship time. During this time, I was once again hit with at a personal level with the power and reality of the significance of Jesus’ life and sacrifice. Jesus models for us that the way to be fulfilled in life is to serve others. Mark 10:45“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NIV)
Matthew 23:11“Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant.” (The Message)
The greatest impact we will ever have on people is when we serve them.
If we want to impact our world then we must serve and be willing to lay our lives down. The four words that will never change the world are: “If I have to!” David did not look at Goliath and say,” If I have to!” He stepped up and did what needed to be done and that is what servants due. We are all called to kill certain giants - some resident inside of us: pride, selfishness, hatred, prejudice or the grip of darkness and some inside of others. Serving is a destroyer of so many things and must be done with a willing heart. I Peter 5:2…serving… not because you must, but because you are willing, (NIV) Let’s give our lives to serve others and impact their hearts and if we do we will be living lives of significance. The Lord will take care of us as we give and share.
Psalm 112:9“He gives generously to those in need. His deeds will never be forgotten. He shall have influence and honor.” (Living Bible) Sometimes we think we will loose if we give away and serve. But God gives us influence and honor we get no other way. He will take care of you as Matthew 6:33 records: "and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern." (NLT)
At the close of the message this past Sunday our congregation read the words that Rick Warren shared with the Saddleback Community Church as they celebrated their 25th Anniversary on April 17th at Angel Stadium in Orange County with 30,000 people in attendance. As I thought about the great impact Rick Warren has had on the world and the Kingdom, I am reminded of the words of the great evangelist Dwight Moody" The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him. Let’s serve the Lord and touch hearts and lives and live in significance.
I have added the "ANGEL STADIUM DECLARATION" for you here, read it and see if some of lines do not become your own.
Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling, and I'm finished with wavering. I've made my choice; the verdict is in; and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now! I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word. Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family. Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me," character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today. I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race. I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me. To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!"
“Copyright 2005 by Rick Warren. Saddleback Community Church - Used by permission. All rights reserved."