By Pastor Bob DeKlavon
Someone stopped into the building today to drop something off. It was so good to actually see someone that we stopped to chat while maintaining social distance. With so many things closed—this person’s schedule has radically changed—as with many of us. Instead of being able to go out for a few hours a day—now, there is just nowhere to go. The thought was shared that they felt like they were just surviving—I knew exactly what they meant.
I had used a phrase related to surviving just a couple of days ago. The phrase I cited then,—and which is the title for today—comes from the animated movie “WALL-E.” Currently, this is the movie of choice for my 3-year-old grandson. If we have him for a full day—we may easily ‘watch’ this movie 3 times.
I cannot give you the whole plot of the movie, but I will try to summarize the story. The inhabitants of earth had to abandon the planet centuries earlier due to pollution. Now that there is hope of a return—there is a plot to stay in space rather than go back. The captain of the ship wants to go home no matter what the risks. The plotters say it is just too dangerous—so why doesn’t the captain enjoy the fact that he can survive?
That is when he offers the quote: “I don’t want to survive—I want to live.”
That is what strikes me about the condition in which we find ourselves.
Different?—absolutely.
Inconvenient?—no question.
Anxiety inducing?—in varying degrees for all—yes.
Just trying to survive?—in too many cases—yes again.
But be reminded of what has not changed.
In John 10:10, Jesus says to those who are saved:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Our circumstances have certainly changed—but Jesus’s promises haven’t. Just as He wanted us to have life a month ago—so He wants us to have life now.
Christians have a choice to make:
We can focus on our circumstances and feel like we just have enough to survive.
Or—we can keep our eyes fixed on the One Who came to give life.
Have extra ‘time’ in your day?
Think about investing it in your spiritual life in ways you might not otherwise have been able.
Pray a bit more than usual.
Serve in ways that might be a bit unusual.
Read and study in ways you haven’t before.
Choose to invest your life in the Lord in ways you may always have wanted but weren’t able to do.
Don’t look to merely ‘survive’ through the crisis—choose to live!