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Can God Get Glory from My Life?

    by Dominique Henderson

How are you Living? Part 2
Date Posted: September 14, 2008

Misunderstanding His Love For His Mission

Let’s elaborate a little more on how accepting Jesus’ teachings allow us to live abundant, full lives. Jesus taught over and over about sowing into the kingdom of God. A familiar passage of scripture in Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and that all other things will be added to us. What does that mean? Jesus is teaching us that above all priorities in life we must put first his business. This tells me that Jesus really understood what his mission on Earth was all about. In the past, I failed to understand this. Why? Because as a Christian in America, my focus has been shifted away from building the kingdom of God. Most of it stems from a conditioning from the media, church culture, and general ignorance of the Word of God. Taking into account that the last mandate that Jesus gave his disciples upon ascension to heaven was that they “go and teach and baptize”, what else could allow me to think that this does not apply to me today? I was reminded just this week from my wife who is continuing her studies at a local Christian university, that I as a Christian am so self-focused sometimes. She was telling me of teenagers attending the university that have mission trips to Africa and China planned right after graduation. They are learning a second and third language in order to be effective witnesses for the kingdom of God. That is amazing to me! Now does that mean that I need to stop everything I am doing now and learn Spanish and head down to Ecuador? Probably not. However, the point is that Jesus taught that my first priority should be spreading the news of his kingdom. Part of that begins with me understanding the role that I play in the kingdom and making it a priority each and everyday of my life. I have to leave my comfort zone and interject Jesus Christ as Savior into my daily conversations with friends, family, clients that our without a savior. So what does this have to do with living an abundant life? Everything! You may recall the sense of joy and fulfillment after carrying out explicit instructions given by your mother or father. They may have rewarded you or praised you for your efforts. My dad used to say, “Make sure you get them books, get your lesson son.” Well I experienced much joy with the many accolades he gave me after graduating both high school and college with honors. I had finally “gotten my books and my lesson.” I felt fulfillment from his pride in me. This is the same way that I feel God the Father looks down on us and sees that we are carrying out his will and allowing his kingdom to come or be spread throughout the Earth (see Matthew 6:10). There is nothing more fulfilling that to be living an obedient, Spirit-led life before God.

I have found that historically I have not always led an abundant life because I have misunderstood Jesus’ mission. Jesus was able to please the Father by carrying out the will of God. That was always his focus. Even in death, he said nevertheless “thy will be done” (See Matthew 26:39,42). And again, when he was baptized by John, he was fulfilling the will of God (see Psalm 40:7,8). What am I saying? We will only find true joy—not just happiness—when we seek to please the Father. I guess what I am saying is that the key to abundant life is seeking to please the Father by carrying out his will. So what about my will? So what about it? I don’t know about you, but my will has historically messed me up in many ways. Fulfilling selfish desires have always kept me out of focus and out of balance. That’s why it is not only better, but imperative that as sons and daughters of God we accept his perfect will for us (see Romans 12:1-2) in order to live the abundant life he has ordained for us.

(To be continued…)

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Biography Information:
Dominique Henderson is a believer in the one and only Son of God - Jesus Christ.  After being a believer for many years, he didn't begin to realize the purpose God had for him until the age of 30.  He has a passion for fellow musicians and worship leaders that have allowed Satan to distract them from their God-given gifts.  He now lives day by day following the lead of the Holy Spirit--not perfectly but diligently. He enjoys writing and spending time with his wife, Briana, and their three children.