Giving Life Away

Whenever singer Rose Carter Cash was asked how she was doing she would respond, “I’m just trying to matter!” She was trying to live a life that mattered to others.

We live in a world today where we are consumed with self. It’s all about me! We also live in isolation, hide behind our computers and iPods, and do not want to give and or receive from others. We have come to a place in society where many will respond only if there is an earthquake or a flood. What about day-to-day living? Do we realize that we come in contact with people every day in whose lives we can make a difference? God calls us to give back.

One of the themes at Houston’s First Baptist Church is “Giving Life Away.” It is the desire of the church to get people involved and give back to the world. John Young did just that. John lost his mother to a devastating disease several years ago. At some point John decided that out of the loss and grief he could possibly help someone else. He began the journey by completing the Stephen Ministry training and began to visit the hospitals. The Lord then began to stir his heart to attend seminary in order to be better equipped. John has been an encourager to the sick and dying, as well as their families. Sue, a wonderful lady in the church, credits John with saving her life. He encouraged her to quit a habit that was impairing her ability to breathe. John gives of himself daily and you will now find him serving full time in the pastoral care ministry of the church.

Jesus gave of Himself every day. All that He did was intentional. Does your life reflect His life? There are many needs in the lives of people around us. Don’t sit; get up and move. In whose life can you make a difference today? You could matter in that person’s life.

I heard a quote that said, “If you do not give of yourself, you deprive the world of knowing you.” Does the world know you? We have so much to give, yet we give so little. It takes courage, and my prayer for you today is that you will step out and begin the journey. Would you take the risk? What is your life if you are not useful to others? Are you trying to matter?

Father God, show me where You would have me give my life away. There is a world that needs to know You. Give me the strength to step out, go and tell, go and give. God, I pray You will equip me as I begin the journey to touch lives and make a difference. Amen.