Making Your Life Count: Romans 14:7-9
“7) For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8) for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9) For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.” Romans 14:7-9
It has been said that “no man is an island unto himself.” Our lives affects others for either good or bad. Paul was laying down this principle in these verses.
“7) Not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself.” In Philippians 1:20-26, Paul applied this principle to his own life. He was determined to glorify God and minister to others both in life and in death. Most people are familiar with Philippians 1:21. Paul said, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Every Christian should share this conviction.
One of Satan’s strategies is to plague us with the thought that we don’t matter. He wants us to feel insignificant and worthless. It is a lie! Every person has value simply because they were created in the image of God. We all touch and influence people around us.
I encourage you to dedicate your life to God. Purpose to live for His glory. Be a channel of His love within your sphere of influence. Celebrate your life and let your light shine. Through the grace of God, be the difference that makes a difference.
The flip side of the coin says that bad people also leave a mark on others. Those who cheat, steal, curse, use, abuse, violate or wound others contribute to the decay of society. “No one is an island unto themself.” Our actions matter and God will hold us accountable for every thought, word and deed. Life is not fair in this fallen world, but justice will one day come.
My goal and purpose is to do my best to live on the God side of the coin. I have dedicated my life to Jesus and invited the Holy Spirit to live and work through me for good and for the glory of God. I encourage you to do the same.
Just as coins are designed to be spent, so every life will be spent for something. Do as Paul and many others have done, purpose to spend your life for the glory of God. Make each day count. Add value to others as you journey through this life. Leave your world a better place than before you walked through it.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
