Living in an individualized society can make for a life full of adventure and prove to be a life of achievement and self-fulfillment. Children grow up with the belief that their dreams can come true. They can become whatever they desire to be in life. There is a sense of hope that all things can be possible.
A popular belief in our individualized world says that the life we live, we live unto ourselves. While it is true that God has a purpose for each of our lives as individuals, the bible does not support the selfish way of living that increasingly defines the world today. As Christians we know that our lives are not our own. We were bought at the cost of Jesus’ life. I heard someone say recently that our bodies are on loan from God. What does the word of God have to say? Well, Paul exhorts us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1).
No man is an island. We live unto God and we are accountable to God for how we live our lives. In our last issue of Destiny Awaits I wrote about living life in the driver’s seat. How we grow and develop in character, and how we manage our time and finances- the resources God has given us to accomplish His purpose and plans for our lives- not only affects our present and future, but it matters to our families, our friends and the entire kingdom of God. In fact, whether we live our lives for God or the enemy of our souls we are ultimately accountable to God. We can either bring blessing or curses upon our future generations.
David was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13). He was a courageous shepherd boy who defeated the mighty Goliath. He was the musician who calmed the evil spirit that tormented King Saul with his peaceful and Spirit-inspired melodies. He was the father of King Solomon who built the temple of the Lord. David is even named in the bloodline and family tree of Jesus Christ. Yet, David stumbled and sinned. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and brought calamity upon his family. Just read the account of David starting in 2 Samuel 11.
Esther came into the palace, as the bible says, “For such a time as this…” She was faced with the choice to either stand up and defend the cause of God and her people or protect herself and her own interests as the queen of Susa (Esther 4). She chose to put her own life on the line and approach the throne of the king, which could have meant her death. This act of faith exposed the evil of Haman and brought deliverance and salvation to God’s people.
These are just two examples of the many people in history who have been faced with the reality that their choices had the power to shape the lives of those around them. Each of us can testify to the fact that there are cycles of sin perpetuated in our families. Maybe your family has been plagued by irresponsibility with time and money. Perhaps your family has left a legacy of sexual promiscuity before marriage. Much of our spiritual struggle is a result of the strongholds and sin in the lives of those who have birthed us.
The word of God says, “I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:5-6). It is only by the grace of God that we can escape the punishment that is ours because of the sin of our father’s, father’s fathers- not to mention our own sin. But Jesus paid it all! Amen? The curse of sin is broken and the Lord declares deliverance and blessing for us today. God can and will break down those strongholds and curses in my life through the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in me, because my life belongs to Him. I am a child of the King and my inheritance is in Christ! I can be numbered with those who “love the Lord and keep His commandments.”
Will you offer your lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God? Can you discern the will of God and live a life that is pleasing in His sight; and be a blessing for the generations to come. The Lord determined the times set for us and the exact places where we should live (Acts 17:26). Could it be that like Esther we, too, have come to the Kingdom “for such a time as this?” Live the truth and walk in it (obey). Receive the blessings of Christ and be a blessing for all the generations to come.
Amanda J. Lumbila
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