Every Moment

It takes great faith to follow God in the terrifying, the humiliating, and the big important missions. But maybe it takes greater faith to be able to live for Him in the mundane, day-to-day, boring stuff.

From the moment our tired minds awake, to the moment sleep envelopes us again, we are called to live diligently, excitedly, and whole-heartedly for Christ. And what faith that requires!

What faith, what love, what patience it takes to hold back the sharp response. What faith, what joy it takes to do the boring chores with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. What faith, what self control it takes to do everything - yes, everything - without complaining or grumbling. What faith, what kindness it takes to help someone with a task they should have learned weeks ago.

But this is what we are called to do. Live for Christ in every moment - not just in the big, exciting, adrenaline filled moments, but also in the small, mundane, unnoticed moments. For if we are faithful - if our faith endures - in the small things, then it will also endure in the big things.

How do we do this?

1) in the moments - do everything in love. With every action, every word, every thought, consider how love would respond. And keep in mind that love is patient and kind, it does not envy or boast, it is not proud or rude or self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs, love does not delight in evil, but it rejoices with the Truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres. Love never fails.

2) in the long run - be in touch with the Spirit of God. When He is in your life, you will be filled with that fruit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Spend time in His Word, in tune with His Spirit. The Spirit will lead us, I believe, not just to the big, hard, important things, but also to live with love in the small, harder, everyday things.

In the end, it doesn't matter how many people you fed or how many hours you sang to the Lord if you did not have love. What matters is your heart and your attitude. You can do great things, speak in tongues, feed children in Africa, but without love - it is meaningless. We are nothing without love.

Take the challenge. Live with love in every single moment, and your faith will stand.