Day #5 What on Earth am I here for?

Seeing Life from God's View...

The way YOU see ur life shapes u-
How do u see ur life? Many ppl have have answers like: life is a circus, a puzzle, a minefield, a journey, or a dance.

Ppl have even said, "life is a carousel- sometimes ur up, sometimes ur down, and sometimes u just go round and round" or "life is a game of cards- u have to play the hand ur dealt"

The image u have about life is ur LIFE METAPHOR. And ur unspoken metaphor influences ur life more than u realize. For instance, if u think life is a party, ur primary goal is to "have fun" or if u see life as a game, "winning" will be very important to u.

The Bible offers 3 metaphors that teach us God's view of life. Life is a TEST, life is a TRUST, and life is a TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT. Lets take a look at the first 2 biblical metaphors.

Life on Earth is a test! (The first biblical metaphor of life). Character is developed and revealed by tests and all of life is a test. God constantly watches ur response to ppl, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even weather. He watches even the simplest things such as opening a door for another, picking up a pc of trash or being polite to a clerk/waitress.

God tests ur faith, ur hope, and ur love.. sometimes God intentionally draws back, where u cant sense his closeness.. this test of shows him what is REALLY in ur heart. Every day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen ur character.

Ever heard the saying GOD WONT GIVE U MORE THAN U CAN HANDLE.. Its the TRUTH!! (1cor10:13) "God keeps his promise, and he will not allow u to be tested beyond ur power to remain firm; at the time u are put to the test, he will give u strength to endure it, and provide u a way out"

Every time u pass a test, God notices and makes plans to reward u in eternity. (James 1:12) Blessed are those who endure when tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Life on Earth is a TRUST! (the 2nd biblical metaphor of life). It is important we know that we never really own anything, during our brief stay on Earth. God loans the Earth to us while we are here- It was God's property before u arrived and he will loan it to someone else after u die. U just get to enjoy it for a while- everything u enjoy is to be treated as a trust that God has placed in ur hands.

Culture says, if u dont own it, u wont take care of it.. But Christians live by a higher standard (or should anyway) Bc God owns it, I must take the best care of it. Hmmm, something to think about...How do u treat the things u borrow? Chances are if u dont take good care of things u borrow, the lender wont loan it to u anymore!!!

(1cor4:2) Those who are trusted with something valuable, must show they are worthy of that trust

At the end of ur life on Earth u will be evaluated and rewarded according to how u handled all that God entrusted to u. Eternal rewards are God's affirmation, Promotion, and being honored w/ celebration.

Money is BOTH a test and a trust. God watches how we use money to test how trustworthy we are. (Luke16:11) "If u are untrustworthy about "worldly wealth" who will trust u with the "true riches" of Heaven?"

God says there is a direct relationship between how u use money and the quality of ur spiritual life. How u manage money (worldly wealth) determines how much God can trust u with other spiritual blessings (true riches). Is the way u manage ur money preventing God from doing more for u?

Remember, life is a test and a trust. The more God gives u, the more responsible he expects u to be.

Day #5 Thinking
Point to ponder: Life is a test and a trust.

Vs to remember: "Unless u are faithful in small matters, u wont be faithful in large ones." (Lk16:10)

Question to consider: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted me with?

Created 3 months ago