Make Your Life Count by being a Disciple

In our epistle reading for today St. Paul, along with other early Christians, is expecting the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ at the end of time. Paul urged the Corinthians, and us too, not to become distracted by the things of this life that can prevent us from being prepared for Christ’s return. This scripture passage raises a larger issue: how are we best able to use the time God gives us in a way that pleases Him?
We certainly recognize how quickly time can pass us by which impresses upon us the need to use the time we have wisely. We start by remembering that the time God grants us in this life is a gift. We own neither our time nor our lives; God does.
The best way to make our lives count in a God-pleasing way is to follow Jesus as his disciples. Being a disciple is a matter of pure privilege. Being a disciple also calls us to a lifetime of service to others which glorifies God. Jesus partners with us in doing so. What makes this so challenging is that it goes against our sinful human nature that always wants to put me, myself and I in first place. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, God can use us to do extraordinary and great things. We can’t do anything as a disciple on our own power, but Jesus imparts his own presence into our lives which makes it possible for us to be the people he has called us to be. God the Spirit works in us that we bring forth the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. God bless your time in this life, and may He enable you to follow Jesus as a disciple in acts of service as you grow in becoming more Christ-like.