How Do We Not Waste Our Life?

Don’t waste your life! At times, this sounds like a lot of pressure to me. That may sound funny, but it’s true. You see, I really don’t want to waste my life. I want it to count. And by the way, I think everyone wants to live a life of purpose. The reality is that I think we are just as much afraid of succeeding at the wrong things as we are of failure.

So what do we do to live lives that count? How do we not waste our life? Once again, when I think about these questions, I freak out a bit. I read and hear of people doing extraordinary things for the Kingdom and when I compare myself to them, it seems I have wasted  so much of my life. And so as a result, I put a lot of pressure on myself. The question of my life becomes “Am I doing enough?”

Now I don’t think we should avoid ever reflecting on how we live. I just wonder if we sometimes put undo pressure on ourselves as we compare our lives with others. Many times I think my life is pretty mundane. And most likely you do too. So what does it mean not to waste your life if you are just a “normal” person with a “normal” job?

I’m a bottom line guy. I do like details (well, sort of), but when it comes to some things, I try not to get too lost in them. Therefore, for me, the bottom line of not wasting your life is this: SERVING OTHERS! Regardless of your job or where you live, serve those around you.

Nothing you do is too insignificant for the contribution of the Kingdom. The so-called mundane tasks in life can result in service to others. But we must pay attention. Going to get groceries? Could be an opportunity to serve. Filling up your car with gas? Could be an opportunity to serve. Doing laundry or dishes? Definitely an opportunity to serve.

As we become engrossed in the story of God, and as it rewrites our own story, we become open to serving anywhere and anyhow. Sometimes this means that we just be a good neighbor. Other times it might mean we need to pack up our bags and take the gospel to those who don’t have access to it. Or it might mean giving money to someone so they can go. Regardless of what it might be, we serve. And nothing should be considered small for “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).