Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
“I am not throwin’ away my shot
I am not throwin’ away my shot
Hey yo, I’m just like my country
I’m young, scrappy and hungry
And I’m not throwin’ away my shot” “My Shot” by Lin-Manuel Miranda from “Hamilton”
Though likely not the actual words of Alexander Hamilton, I think we can all appreciate the desire to make our life and resources count for something.
I remember family vacations as a child and the quick stops for gas and bathroom breaks. I would walk the isles of the mini mart considering my choices of candy, gum, chips and drinks – knowing that I could choose anything, limited only by the small amount of change in my pocket.
Today I face a similar quandary when on rare occasions I’ll visit my favorite restaurant in Buckhead – Fogo De Chão, a Brazilian steak house. If I have a friend or family member with me that’s never been, I’ll coach them on how to make the most of the experience. “Don’t fill up on biscuits and mashed potatoes. Save stomach space for the good stuff!”
We have one life and the older we get, the more we can appreciate when the scripture describes it as a vapor. Our lives are like the two examples above – wonderful freedom but limited resources. Paul is advising us, “You’ve been given an incredible gift, don’t waste your shot! Don’t fill up on the biscuits and mashed potatoes!”
No one wants to look back in regret at a misspent life. So enjoy the freedom you’ve been given by making the most of it. Don’t throw away your shot. Live and love like Jesus!
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
- How would you advise your younger self on spending your God given resources and freedom?
- Would you agree that time spent for others is better than time spent on your own “fleshly desires?” Why?
- They say the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, and the 2nd best time is today. What can you do starting today to make the most of the time that you have left – be it one day or 50 years?
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
Jon Price
