JAMES 4:13-14
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
REFERENCES: JAMES 4:15, 5:1–3, 7–11; MATTHEW 6:19-21
A puff of smoke, a gust of wind, a spark of lightning, all transient, lasting only seconds, but all having the potential for great impact. Such are our lives, a mist, here today and gone the next. But what will we do with the mist that’s been given to us? Will we choose earthly success for ourselves or will we choose to impact the lives of others? In comparison to eternity, all we have here are mere seconds. To make those seconds count beyond this life, our motivation has to be to live for more than ourselves. In the mountains and valleys of life, we don’t get to have control. All we can do is take our God appointed place and walk it out with the goal of not merely success, but true significance. By adding value to those around us and leaving a legacy that will touch heaven.
Success is about adding value to you; significance is about adding value to others.
Oftentimes we make plans in our lives and forget to ask God what he wants us to do. And when we do that we are missing the chance to live a life of true significance. When we are obedient to God’s voice, not only we are showing him that we trust him, but that we are also willing to live a life that’s more than just about self-fulfillment.
Instead, you ought to say “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” —James 4:15
Service is about what you do with what you have. Many times we are called to do big things with our talents, gifts or money. There are resources and talents instilled in us that we store away. We may accidentally fall into greed when we hoard what is given us.
“For where your treasure is, your heart will be also.” —Matthew 6:19
Following Jesus requires our commitment day in and day out. This path is demanding and our perseverance is successful when we focus with the end in mind. We can easily drift away from what God has called us to be without this kingdom mindset. Our ultimate goal is to build the kingdom of heaven. This requires us to not only be obedient and serve others but we must do so with joy in our hearts, without grumbling and complaining as we wait for the promises of Christ. Be patient and stand firm. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy in the midst of our suffering. Rejoicing in Christ allows us to persevere through every season and every circumstance. As the farmer waits patiently for the harvest, we must wait expectantly for the glorious promises Christ has for us.
Write down 3 areas in your life for which you desire perseverance. Ask God to see if this aligns with his plans for you and surrender it to God. Pray for God's promises and courage to follow his will.
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS Design District
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10AM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack
Good News: Hope is here! Celebrate Easter in community. With gatherings all weekend, there’s something for everyone.
Friday, March 29 – Good Friday
Saturday, March 30 – Easter Egg Drop
Sunday, March 31 – Easter Sunday
Help host Easter Egg Drop, one of our largest outreaches of the year!
We live in the tension of present hard times and coming good times. In this gap, our faith is formed. The gathering of the saints produces perseverance for you to run your race of faith. VOUSCon is this moment.
June 20-22
Miami, FL
As we create an atmosphere that glorifies God, we create space for Him to move. As servant leaders, we carry the culture. Because we value Con, we invest in it.