Live Or Die—God's Got You!

“One person regards one day holier than other days, and another regards them all alike. Each must be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day does it for the Lord. The one who eats, eats for the Lord because he gives thanks to God, and the one who abstains from eating abstains for the Lord, and he gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for himself and none dies for himself. If we live, we live for the Lord; if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For this reason Christ died and returned to life, so that he may be the Lord of both the dead and the living.” Romans 14:7-9 NET

We live each day in devotion to the Lord, as this is the true essence of what salvation in Christ provides. If we designate one day as more sacred than another, we risk rendering the incredible sacrifice of Jesus meaningless; such a belief diminishes our view of His capacity to save us completely and unconditionally. Our faith may veer into the realm of personal preference rather than resting on the profound truth of His love.

In fostering a vibrant and inclusive community, it is imperative that we embrace and celebrate these diverse faith practices. Instead of imposing our own viewpoints or restrictions, we should actively encourage and support one another’s choices, recognizing the diverse expressions that each person brings to the collective journey of faith. This openness not only strengthens our bonds but also invites others to embark on their spiritual explorations, enhancing the community’s depth and vitality through a shared commitment to meaningful faith expressions.

Maintaining consistency in our beliefs is vital in understanding whether our faith relies on specific dates or is founded on the timeless, all-encompassing Savior who surpasses every moment and tradition. Every day allows us to recognize and glorify Jesus as holy—not just during special occasions or designated religious holidays. Our relationship with Him is intended to be an everyday journey, reflecting His enduring influence and profound presence in our lives, inviting us to embrace each moment as an opportunity to live in gratitude and grace.

It does not imply that we look down on someone who places greater significance on one day over another; that is certainly not the case. Instead, when a person holds this belief, we should embrace them with open hearts, ready to listen and understand their perspective. It is essential to encourage them to remain steadfast in their convictions, emphasizing the value of unwavering principles in their journey. We should remind them of the importance of being single-minded in their faith, ensuring that their thoughts and intentions are aligned, so they are not swayed by doubt or distraction. By cultivating a nurturing and supportive environment, we can help them strengthen their commitment to their beliefs, allowing for a richer and more profound exploration of their spiritual path.

Paul eloquently underscores that individuals who observe specific days—whether for worship, rest, or cultural celebration—do so with a heartfelt commitment before the Lord. Each act, from honoring the Sabbath to celebrating holidays, is approached with reverence and an intention to draw closer to God. Similarly, those who choose to consume certain foods, whether due to dietary restrictions, cultural heritage, or personal convictions, are engaging in gratitude, recognizing God’s abundant provision and the sacredness of His creation in their meals.

Moreover, individuals who embrace fasting or abstaining from certain foods do so as a profound expression of spiritual devotion, seeking deeper communion with God. Through self-denial, they cultivate gratitude and mindfulness, transforming their hunger into a purposeful dedication that uplifts their faith.

In fostering a vibrant and inclusive community, it is imperative that we embrace and celebrate these diverse faith practices, not by expressing our own viewpoints or imposing restrictions. We should actively encourage and support one another’s choices, recognizing the diverse expressions that each person brings to the collective journey of faith. This openness not only strengthens our bonds but also invites others to embark on their spiritual explorations, enhancing the community’s depth and vitality through a shared commitment to meaningful faith expressions.

This form of acceptance emerges from a profound recognition of our role as our brother’s keeper. This concept invites us to consider the deeper responsibilities we share within our community. We are not isolated; we are intricately woven together in a rich display of human connection, forming a vibrant and united community. Whether we live our lives devoted to uplifting one another in the service of the Lord or confront death and return to the Creator who intricately crafted each of us, our ultimate purpose remains unwavering: to serve and minister to the Lord. Our existence transcends mere self-interest; it is fundamentally about embracing and exemplifying the teachings and love of Jesus. By wholeheartedly accepting this calling to community and service, we fulfill our true purpose within the divine narrative of life, threading our individual stories into a greater tale of compassion, love, and interconnectedness.

Paul articulates with clarity that the central purpose of Christ's coming lies in His willing sacrifice—His death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. This monumental act not only conquers sin and death but also establishes Him as the sovereign Lord of both the living and the dead, signifying His dominion over all realms of existence. Yet, the narrative encompasses more than just this pivotal event.

When we speak of dying to ourselves, we delve into the profound process of letting go of our former desires and inclinations that are dictated by the flesh—those persistent urges and distractions that pull us away from our true purpose in God. In this surrender, we have a vibrant life in Christ. The resurrection power that Paul emphasizes throughout his letters to the Romans is not merely a singular historic episode but an ongoing, dynamic force that invigorates our spirits daily. This power transforms us, enabling our hearts and minds to become increasingly attuned to the gentle guiding voice of the Lord.

In Ephesians 5:14, Paul poignantly declares,

“For everything made visible is light, and for this reason it says: ‘Awake, O sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!’”

This exhortation serves as a clarion call, encouraging us to awaken from our spiritual death, to rise up with renewed purpose, and to embrace the illuminating truth that Christ brings.

Our ascent into a renewed existence in Christ begins when we are ‘born again’—a transformative spiritual rebirth after our old selves have been symbolically crucified with Christ. This concept encompasses a radical reorientation of our hearts and minds, culminating in a new identity deeply rooted in Christ's unwavering love and grace. This metamorphosis defines what it means for Christ to be the Lord of the living and the dead, seamlessly weaving together the narrative of our past, the vibrancy of our present, and the promise of our future in His eternal plan.

Stephen Barnett