What Matters
January 8, 2025
At 721 Ministries we consistently talk about the A+ life. But perhaps you’re still thinking it is about achieving status, success, or, more likely, a place in life when you can finally sit back and say, “I’ve made it.” That is most certainly not the A+ life to which we are referring.
Can we even define it? Define it, maybe, quantify it, no. It cannot be measured because the A+ life is within. It’s a harmonious balance of body–mind–spirit, as we learn to live with the power of Jesus in our lives.
Let’s begin with what the A+ life is not. It is not measurable, as it flows from within. It is not quantitative because it is “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20).
It is not easily defined, but we know it when we see someone with it. And when we do see it, we might be uneasy around such quiet power, but we are inevitably drawn to it.
Finally, and most assuredly, it is not achieved, it is found:
“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:25 bold added)
Here is a glimpse of what it looks like as we steadily grow closer to Jesus. Next week we will add more:
You are not mastered by anything: “I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
Freedom! Nothing from the old self has a hold on me. I am not controlled by nor am I in the grip of fear, lust, greed, anger, anxiety, jealousy, pride. These rear their ugly heads at times, and nag at me, but they no longer control me. Do not miss that: they no longer control me. I am finally free of all that nonsense.
We embrace God’s will, not just accept it: “Your will be done.” (Matthew 6:10)
I want – really want – God’s will, precisely because I know it will be the best –always the best. So we grow from, “Okay, I accept your will, God. I guess I have to,” to: “Yes, yours, please! Not mine!”
Therefore:
You become certain in uncertainty:
“Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life— gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing what tomorrow may bring.This is generally expressed with a sigh of sadness, but it should be an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. As soon as we abandon ourselves to God and do the task He has placed closest to us, He begins to fill our lives with surprises.” (Oswald Chambers April 29 )
You are uncertain what God is going to do in your life or in a particular situation in which you find yourself, but you are absolutely certain that you will be thanking him later. Simply put, you now trust God. Your trust … in him … trumps the doubts and worries and anxieties arising from uncertain circumstances.
You can say with confidence, “Thank you now, Jesus, before I see how you work this out, because I know I will be thanking you later.”
This, my friend, is the A+ life. Do you have it? Are you getting closer? Seek it with all your heart, and Jesus will make sure you will find it.
Next Week: The A+ Life Part 2
