Living to Die or Dying to Live?

Today I want to share some thoughts running through my mind that have come from responses to my decision to eat for life, instead of living to eat.

People are curious as to why I have chosen to make radical changes to my diet.  When I tell them weight loss was just a benefit of the changes and not the reason for them, they are perplexed.  I want to live healed and whole.  If what I eat empowers my body to fight disease, prevent disease, etc., I'm all for it.  Why?  Because I want to live many days on this earth as an offering to the One who lives inside of me.

I have been surprised at people's responses; especially believers, who don't want to live past 75-80 years of age.  Let me add here, I do not judge anyone.  This post is sharing my personal convictions, which I do not impose on ANYONE else.

Now, honestly, I don't want to live to see 100 if it means I'm holed up in a nursing home, with someone wiping drool from my face 24/7.  But if I can live to see 100 and live it abundantly, count me in!

Why?  Because I believe as believers we shouldn't be so singularly focused on going to heaven that we miss what He put us here on earth to do.  If this was every believer's mentality who would be spreading the Good News?  No, friends, your salvation is so much MORE than a get out of hell free card.  It's a call on your life to go be light in a dark world!

As a believer if my goal is just to make it through another day so I am one day closer to heaven that's NOT abundant life.  That's living in survival mode.  God's plan for you is abundant life (see John 10:10, 3 John 2.)

When you accept Jesus as Savior the old you dies.  This is what the act of baptism symbolizes.  Buried with Christ, raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4.)  We die in order to LIVE!

Which brings me to the question the title of this post poses.  Living to die or dying to live?  My Soul Sings because it is no longer the old me who lives, but Christ in me!  This world is not my eternal home, but it is my mission field, my assignment.  I will embrace each day I live on this earth as a gift from heaven!

Papa God, I am sorry for the times I have wished my days away.  For the times when things got hard and instead of turning to You for strength I prayed for You to take the adversity away from me.  I was focused on my comfort and not the greater good You had in store for me.  I am sorry for times I haven't honored my body as the temple of Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19-20.)  Continue to help me steward this body You have given me so that we can co-labor to bring heaven to earth for all my days here (I Corinthians 3:9, Matthew 6:10.)  Help me to see people as You see them.  Break my heart for what breaks Yours and then give me the courage and boldness to take action.  Thank You, Papa, for preparing a place for me.  I look forward to the day when heaven becomes my permanent home, but for now, teach me how to remain aware that I am seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6.)  You are such a good Papa.  I want to tell the world about Your goodness and represent Jesus well.  I love You and I thank You!  In the name of Jesus I pray, AMEN!