realization of love

it's as if i've just had a revelation, though i know it's something i've heard so many times before.

this world was made by GOD.
it was made for GOD.
it was made through GOD'S design and plan.
it was made in GOD'S wisdom and creativity.
it belongs to GOD.

therefore, how can we live for ourselves? how can we think that everything revolves around us and our little problems? true, the Lord cares about each sparrow that falls to the ground, as well as everything that goes on in our lives, but the point of everything--yes, everything--is to reflect GOD. and we as human beings are the only creatures who do not perfectly obey Christ. all created nature and animals obey him, but we selfish beings live for our own benefit, not that of the One who made us and keeps us alive each day.

our response?

to love him. to adore each precious time we spend with him, whether that's reading and studying his letters to us or talking to him in prayer, or just living life with him. and how can we not tell others of the love he gives to us?! we who turn away from him, we who shun him and close the door when he knocks--we are loved and cherished by him!

what does this all mean, and why am i bringing it up? well, because i decided i'm going back to india. and yes i want to teach English, yes i want to do kids' camps, yes i want to experience the culture and get to know the people. but what good is all that--what good is any of it--if i dont tell them of the love of Christ Jesus? so they'll know English, who cares? what about their souls? i've been thinking a lot about this recently, and it doesn't matter to me anymore where exactly i end up over there, or if i'll be in a school teaching English, or whether i work with kids or adults. the only thing that matters to me is that i get the opportunities to tell others about Jesus--the one, true way for salvation. everything else comes after that. because if i'm bent on teaching English, i'll lose the big picture, that GOD who made me and owns my life is calling me (there is no option for saying "no thanks") to tell others that He is alive and that He is the only one who can save us from going to hell.

you know those days, when you realize something (often for the 30th time) and it just excites you?

yep....that's today.


H