Reflections on 20 Years: Living Life to the Fullest
Folks, it's hard to believe it's been 20 years since I first stepped into this pulpit. Time sure flies when you're doing the Lord's work! As I look back on these two decades, I can't help but think about how we should approach the years ahead. So, let me share with you some thoughts on living life to the fullest.
First off, we need to take time to reflect. We're all so busy these days, aren't we? Always rushing from one thing to the next. But sometimes, we need to climb up that tree and make sure we're headed in the right direction. Otherwise, we might be making great time but going the wrong way!
Now, I know some of you might be wondering, "Neil, when are you going to retire?" Well, I'll tell you this - I may not know when I'll retire from preaching, but I'll never retire from the Lord's work. That's how I want to live - serving God until my last breath. And that's my first piece of advice to you: live until you die.
I've seen folks retire and just sit around waiting to die. That's no way to live! Jesus said He came that we might have life and have it to the full. If your life isn't full, you might be on the wrong path.
Speaking of paths, we need to seek truth more than happiness. You know, the number one question among teenagers today is, "Why am I here?" They've seen their parents chase after stuff and careers, but they're still not happy. That's because true fulfillment comes from knowing our purpose in Jesus Christ.
Now, here's something I've been working on - having more spiritual conversations. Ever since that "40 Days of Love" series (which, by the way, I think was my best ever), I've been trying to affirm everyone I meet and, when I can, steer the conversation towards spiritual matters. Sure, sometimes people put up walls, but that's okay. Our job is to plant seeds and let God give the increase.
Prayer is another area where I'm aiming to improve. I've started being more intentional, asking God what He wants me to do each day. And let me tell you a little secret - I pray over every family in our church directory once a week. It's amazing how often God puts someone on my heart to reach out to.
Worship is not just for Sundays, folks. The other day, I was watching the birds at our new feeder with Nancy, and I just felt overcome with awe at God's creation. That's worship! We can find moments like that every day if we're looking for them.
Now, this next one is tough, but it's important. We need to love like God loves us. That means showing compassion even to those whose actions or lifestyles we find hard to accept. I had an experience recently that really drove this home for me. It's not easy, but if we're going to love like God loves, we've got to have compassion even for those we find hard to understand.
Finally, and this might surprise you coming from me, but I want to relax more. Now, I don't mean work less - you all know that's not my style! What I mean is, I want to stop thinking I'm in control of everything. I want to give it all to God and let Him figure it out. That doesn't mean I'll stop doing my best, but I'll rest in knowing God has it all figured out.
As I look ahead to the next chapter of my ministry here, these are the things I'm focusing on. I hope you'll join me in reflecting on your life, planning wisely for the future, and making sure your spiritual house is in order.
Remember, if you truly worship, you'll leave here a different person. Maybe you need to make a big change like being baptized, or maybe it's just a small adjustment in your daily life. Whatever it is, I encourage you to take that step.
Let's make these coming years count, folks. Let's live until we die, seek truth, have those spiritual conversations, pray intentionally, worship more, love like God, and learn to relax in His care. After all, His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
Here's to another 20 years of serving the Lord together!
- Neal
Watch sermon video HERE.