It came to me to use this title for the blog this week. Aunt Mary brought up a while back that Pastor Gaines used this in one of his sermons. He said everyone wants to live the American dream: work long enough to retire, accumulate enough money, and move to their favorite spot near the beach. However, Pastor Gaines reminded us that we are here for a purpose. What will people remember you by? At the end of our lives, we have to give an account for what we have done on earth as believers for God (Romans 14:12).
Pastor Gaines mentioned that we are not just here to live the American dream, get rich and die. Pastor Gaines said, “Don’t slow up, ’til you go up.” Cicely Tyson passed on to the next life on Thursday, January 28th. She was a great actress and kept going until her last breath. She knew her purpose and walked into it. I like her response when Gayle King asked her, “What do you want to be remembered by?” Cicely Tyson said, “That I l did my best.” While writing this blog on the morning of my birthday, I wanted to ensure I did my best while on earth. Cicely Tyson said, “As long as I am breathing, I have a purpose.” She kept working in the movie industry and just wrote a book. She did not slow up.
In Luke 19:30, Jesus told His disciples to occupy until I return. Webster’s meaning of occupying means to take possession or control of; to fill or perform the functions of an office or position. ‘
Read 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 concerning the gifts of the spirit to see how you can perform the functions God gave us here on this earth. We all need each other’s gifts. Life is short. We must take advantage of our daily and not waste it. We are here for someone else, not just ourselves. Romans 14:7 says, “No one lives to oneself and no one dies to oneself. We live and die unto the Lord.”
I want to be like Jesus when he is complete with His work. After He took his last breath on the cross, He said, “It is finished.”
Don’t slow up ’til you go up!
Prayer: God, I thank you for your purpose and plan for my life. I operate in the gifts you have given me here on earth to glorify and point people to you. I redeem the time according to Ephesians 5:16 because the days are evil. I take every opportunity to do good while I still have breath in me. I repent of thinking only of myself. Jesus came to seek and save those that were lost and did not know God. Jesus left me an example to follow in His footsteps. I let the love of God flow through me to draw people to Jesus. I let my light shine so that people will see your good works and glorify you. I praise you in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Sharon, This is such a tremendous word of encouragement and reminder that we are to not slow up til we go up. I’ve always said to myself that I want to leave nothing left on the table and no gift open to full capacity. I pray to die on empty and having had fulfilled each and every assignment that God had purposed me to. Like you and our late and great Cicely Tyson… I want to be remembered for doing my best and being able to get a “Well done my daughter!” At the end of my earthly life and vessel’s expiration. May God continue to bless you and Aunt Mary for all of the prophetic and timely blessings you share with people like me.
I receive! I am finishing strong!