How do you live your life on purpose, living out your purpose? That’s kinda the big question. In Crickett Keeth‘s new eight-week Bible study, Living Out a Life That Matters, Crickett shares a beautiful pathway to a life that goes deeper in Christ—a life that has meaning and leaves a legacy of eternal significance. It’s an honour to welcome Crickett to the farm table today…
Guest Post by Crickett Keeth
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, a life that matters?
Perhaps you think of financial wealth, material possessions, or great achievements. But a life that matters is so much more than that. The best investment we can make during our time on earth, in addition to our own spiritual health, is investing in the lives of others.
But what does that look like? How do we spur others on to become all God created them to be? How do we live a life worth emulating and one that continues to have an impact long after we’re gone?
Recently, I attended a memorial service that lasted over three hours! There was testimony after testimony from people of all ages and places who had been spiritually impacted by this woman’s life. She demonstrated steadfastness in her walk with God and how to finish well.
No, she didn’t leave behind a large sum of money or property, but she left a legacy of eternal significance.
She changed many lives (including mine), drawing people into a deeper relationship with God.
She lived a life that mattered—a life that made a difference for eternity.
The apostle Paul modeled how to live a life that matters and leave a legacy of eternal significance in 2 Timothy, his final letter. Paul encouraged his young friend Timothy to fulfill his God-given purpose and make a difference for God’s kingdom. He recognized the importance of investing in the lives of others, helping them grow in their faith and preparing them to carry out God’s purpose.
Are we committed to carrying out our God-given purpose?
There will be times when opposition arises, and we’ll be tempted to quit. Or we’ll face tough times and challenges and say, “I’m done. I’m going to choose an easier path.” Sometimes, our fears overshadow our faith, and we lose heart.
Paul faced many hardships and obstacles in his ministry, but he never gave up and walked away. He knew his purpose, and He was committed to carrying out that mission until the end of his earthly journey.
How are you encouraging the younger generations to be committed to their God-given purpose and live out a life that matters?
And Paul encouraged Timothy to stay committed to fulfilling his calling and ministry from the Lord. He continually reminded Timothy of his purpose and how important it was not to get lazy or sidetracked. We all need friends like Paul who will keep us on course. But we also need to be that type of friend to others and encourage them to be all God intended them to be.
How are you encouraging the younger generations to be committed to their God-given purpose and live out a life that matters? Are you helping them discover their calling and gifts, and encouraging them to persevere when times get tough?
None of us wants to get to the end of our lives and stand before God to hear Him say, “I gave you gifts and opportunities, but you didn’t use them. I had so much more for you, and you missed it.”
I was with my mom when she took her last breath on this earth, and I pictured Jesus welcoming her home with open arms, saying, “Well done, Marjorie! Well done, good and faithful servant!” Mom lived a life that mattered and left a legacy of eternal significance.
Are we living our lives today in such a way that when we see Him face to face, we’ll hear Him say, “Well done, faithful servant”?
Let’s live a life that matters—for Him.
When I reach the end of my life, I want to be able to say as Paul did in 2 Timothy 4:7 (NASB2020): “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” May this be true for each one of us.
What kind of legacy will you leave behind—a legacy of eternal significance or one that will have a negative impression or be quickly forgotten? A
re you investing in things that are only temporary—material possessions, wealth, success? Or are you making a difference for God’s kingdom by investing in others and helping them grow and develop in their walk with God?
Are you finishing the course God has given you to run?
There’s a way to live — today — so we do not waste our lives focused on accumulating temporal things that won’t last or building a name for ourselves, but actually invest in building His kingdom and honoring the Master.
Today holds an invitation to live a life that matters — for Him.
Father, help me live my life for You, pleasing You in all I do and say.
Keep me from becoming complacent about the mission You’ve given me to carry out.
Help me stay focused on You, not the world. I desire to honor You
every day of my life.
A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, Crickett Keeth is the author of several women’s Bible studies, including her newly released study on 2 Timothy, Living Out a Life That Matters, that focuses on eight virtues of the Christian life embodied by Paul that are also meant for us. She takes us on a journey into the life-changing attributes of: Encouragement, Faithfulness, Strength, Diligence, Vigilance, Equipping, Commitment, and Steadfastness.
Focusing on one virtue each week, participants become centered in God’s heart and equipped to live a life that impacts others for eternity. Living Out a Life That Matters goes beyond fill-in-the-blank questions or one-word answers, and challenges women to live deep, purpose-filled lives. As you grow into these beautiful virtues, you—and the people around you—will be changed.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
Living Out a Life That Matters is for:
- Women longing to live with purpose and eternal perspective
- Believers who want to finish their race faithfully
- Small groups, women’s ministries, and church Bible studies
- Leaders seeking to disciple others and pass on the faith
{Our humble thanks to Moody Publishers for their partnership in today’s devotional}
