Choosing the Way of Life, Love, and Light: A Call to Eternal Living By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22)
Introduction
In a world filled with countless voices and competing philosophies, the human heart often finds itself adrift, searching for meaning, purpose, and direction. We are bombarded daily by messages that promise fulfillment, happiness, and success, yet these promises so often lead to emptiness and despair. The passage before us today cuts through the noise with a clear and resounding call—a divine invitation to choose a different path. It is a path not of our own making, but one established in divine wisdom and rooted in eternal love. This lesson will meticulously unpack the profound truths contained within this text, serving as a comprehensive guide for those who seek to live a life that truly matters.
At its core, this message presents a fundamental choice that every individual must face: to live according to the ways of the world, or to live according to the ways of God. It is a stark contrast between temporary pursuits and eternal purpose, between self-centered existence and a God-centered life. We are challenged to look beyond the immediate and the visible, and to fix our gaze upon the everlasting. This is not merely a call to a different lifestyle, but to a different life altogether—a life of intention, reverence, and profound meaning. We will explore the various facets of this divine call, from the foundational importance of love and unity, to the sobering reality of the world's destructive paths, to the glorious hope of eternal life that is offered to all who would choose to follow God's way. This is a journey from the temporal to the eternal, from the insignificant to the profoundly meaningful, from a state of separation to one of intimate communion with our Creator.
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The Reign of Love: The Foundation of God's Way
The very first principle laid out for us is the foundational command: "Let love reign." This is not a suggestion but a divine imperative. God's way is a way of love, and He desires that this love would permeate every aspect of the lives of His people. True love, in this context, is defined by actions of acceptance, kindness, and unity among believers. It is a complete rejection of backbiting, devouring one another with harsh words, or holding grudges. Instead, it is a conscious decision to prioritize the welfare of others and to build one another up in faith.
This command to love is a direct reflection of God's own nature. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7). The love we are called to embody is not a fleeting emotion, but a covenantal commitment to one another, much like the commitment Christ has made to us. When we choose to backbite and criticize, we are not living in God's way; we are aligning ourselves with the divisive nature of the world. God's intention for His people is to be a beacon of unity and affection in a fragmented and hostile world. Our love for one another is meant to be a testimony to the world of the transformative power of God’s grace. It is the visible evidence of our commitment to His way, a testament that we have chosen His people and His purposes above our own selfish desires. When we truly let love reign, we create an environment where the Spirit of God can move freely and effectively, guiding us into deeper truth and closer fellowship.
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The Peril of Worldly Paths: A Choice Between Life and Death
The passage starkly contrasts God's way with "the ways of the world." These worldly ways are not simply harmless alternatives; they are pathways that lead to "destruction." The text describes a descent into a "cesspool of sin," where people become separated from God. This is a powerful and sobering image. It speaks of a gradual but certain decline, where choices made in pursuit of personal ambition or pleasure lead one further and further away from the divine source of life and light. The world's ways promise freedom, but they deliver bondage. They promise satisfaction, but they result in separation from the very one who gives life.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. (1 John 2:15-16). The "ways of the world" are defined by these destructive desires. The call here is to a radical departure from these paths. We are not to be quick to bow to them, for they lead to death. This is not a metaphor; it is the ultimate consequence of choosing a life apart from God. The choices we make daily have eternal ramifications. To choose iniquity and darkness is to choose the very course of damnation. God's desire for us is the exact opposite: to walk in Him and be guided by His Spirit, to choose a path of righteousness and life. The path of the world may seem broad and appealing, but it is a path that has been pre-destined for destruction. The wise person is the one who recognizes this truth and turns away from the wide road to walk the narrow path that leads to life.
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Eternity in View: The Folly of Shortsighted Living
A major theme of this lesson is the importance of preparing for eternity. The text labels it "foolishness to drift through life not preparing for eternity." This is because human life, in and of itself, is fragile and fleeting. We are like the grass that grows up and withers, or the flowers that bloom and then fade away. Many people, described as "endless multitudes," are so consumed with the "here-and-now" that they give no thought to where their souls will end up. This is a profound shortsightedness, a "dumb" way of living, because the text confirms a certain reality: "there is life after death, and that life will be in either heaven or hell."
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? (Mark 8:36). The passage implores us to be thankful that we can "live in My love and partake of My life." This is the only pursuit that has eternal value. We are not to be overwhelmed by the temporary cares of this life, but to keep our eyes fixed on God's purpose and plan for us. This is the antidote to a life of shortsightedness. It is a shift in perspective from the temporal to the eternal. The things that occupy our minds, our time, and our resources—do they have a place in God's eternal kingdom? Or are they simply distractions from the one thing that truly matters? Our lives will have significance only when they are lived with eternity in mind. Preparing for eternity is not just about avoiding hell; it is about embracing a life of purpose and righteousness that will culminate in the rewards of the righteous in heaven. It is a daily, conscious effort to align our priorities with God's ultimate plan, knowing that every moment spent in service to Him is an investment in our eternal future.
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Purposeful Living: A Life that Matters to God
The core of this message is a call to a life of purpose, a life that truly "matters." The text contrasts the "endless causes that come and go" with the singular, important cause of living for God. These worldly causes, though they may seem important in the moment, "are not important at all in the scheme of eternity." This is because their emphasis is entirely on the "here and now." God's plan is different. His intention is that His people would be concerned with where they will spend eternity, and that their lives would be a testament to that concern.
The passage challenges us to examine our priorities. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24). The call is to be concerned that our lives are "upright before Me." This means living a life of integrity, righteousness, and intentionality. It means not being "stingy towards Me," but being abundant in our thanks and praise. Many people chase "the vain things of life," only to end up "destitute in the end." They have excuses and justifications for pursuing vanity instead of giving of themselves to God. A life lived for God is a life that is full, purposeful, and eternally significant. It is a life that recognizes that our time, our talents, and our treasures are not our own, but are gifts to be used for His glory. By shifting our focus from self to God, our lives become a powerful story of His grace and purpose, a story that will echo throughout eternity.
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The Cost of Discipleship: Forsaking All for Christ
This lesson makes it clear that the way of Jesus is not a path of convenience or compromise. It is a path that requires radical commitment. The text reminds us that when Jesus came to earth, He was fully aware of those who would "beg off" and not follow Him. He was not trying to attract the masses with an easy gospel; He made it clear that the "requirements were not easy, nor would they be adjusted." The call of Jesus is to "forsake all that is meaningful in this life in order to gain what is meaningful in the life to come." This means putting our choice to follow Him above any other earthly ambition or desire.
Jesus himself laid out the terms of discipleship. If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23). This is a call to a life of self-denial, surrender, and sacrifice. The things that the world holds dear—our careers, our possessions, our comfort, and even our relationships—must all take a secondary position to our relationship with Christ. This is not because those things are inherently evil, but because they can so easily become idols that compete for our ultimate allegiance. The way of Jesus is a call to align our will with His, to walk in His steps, and to pursue the eternal above the temporal. It is a decision to love God more than we love anything or anyone else, to hold all other things with an open hand, knowing that true life and lasting fulfillment are found only in Him.
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Personal Responsibility: Moving Beyond Spiritual Laziness
A common misconception is that the "things of God should belong only to those who are the ministers." This, as the text states, stems from "spiritual laziness and religious tradition." This passage forcefully pushes back against this idea, declaring that it is God's "intention and calling that all of those who profess they believe in My Son Jesus would follow Him." This means that every single believer is called to a life of active, personal discipleship, not just a passive attendance at church. We are not to deviate from God's way because of "personal desires and ambitions."
The text warns of those who live in "absolute separation" from God because they have "left their spiritual lives unattended." Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15). This scripture perfectly encapsulates the call to personal responsibility. Our spiritual lives require our active engagement. We are not called to a "self-centered existence," but to a "God-centered life." This is a call to move beyond the shallow waters of religious tradition and into the deep currents of a personal and passionate relationship with Jesus. It means taking responsibility for our own walk with God, engaging in prayer, studying His Word, and seeking to be guided by His Spirit. Our relationship with God is not something we can delegate to a pastor or a minister. It is a personal pilgrimage that we must each undertake with seriousness and dedication.
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Choosing Life: The Way of Light and Love
Ultimately, this entire discourse returns to the central theme of choice. The final call is to "be doers of My Word, not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." The passage warns that when we become "covered in worldliness," we will not only desire the world's ways but we will also shun those who are more dedicated to God. This is because their presence is "convicting" and exposes our own spiritual compromise. The choice is clear: "If you choose in opposition to My way for whatever reason you imagine, you are choosing death above life."
See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil… Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life. (Deuteronomy 30:15, 19-20). The call is not to cast off the "way of life, love and light for the darkness of the world." We are told that the end of worldliness is "death and damnation." This is the ultimate consequence of a life lived for self and the world. However, the alternative is glorious: to be thankful to walk in God's way and to know that "the same is eternal and everlasting." Our own carnal minds may imagine ways centered on self, but as we center our lives on God, we will be guided by His Spirit in the way that is His intention for us. This is the path of true freedom, joy, and peace.
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Summary
The message we have explored is a profound and urgent call to a life of eternal significance. It begins with the foundation of love and unity, a love that rejects backbiting and embraces fellowship. It then presents a stark choice between the world's destructive, short-sighted paths and God's way of life and purpose. We are warned against the folly of living for the temporary, neglecting the eternal realities of heaven or hell. We are encouraged to live a purposeful life that truly matters to God, rejecting spiritual laziness and taking personal responsibility for our walk with Him. The way of Jesus is presented not as a casual option, but as a radical call to forsake all that is meaningful in this earthly life in order to gain the richness of the life to come. Ultimately, this is a lesson about a choice—a choice to move beyond a self-centered existence and embrace a God-centered life of love, light, and eternal hope.
Conclusion
This message serves as a powerful reminder of the solemn and beautiful choice that stands before each of us every day. The path of least resistance often leads to the greatest regret. The path of dedication to Christ, while it may be challenging, leads to everlasting life. We have seen that a life lived apart from God is ultimately meaningless, like the grass that withers and the flower that fades. But a life lived for God is a life of eternal impact and significance. Let us not be hearers only, but doers of the Word. Let us not allow the cares of this life to overwhelm us, but rather, let us fix our eyes on God's purpose and plan for us.
The Call to Action
Therefore, I urge you today:
• Examine Your Heart: Take time to honestly assess where your true allegiance lies. Are you more concerned with the approval of the world or the approval of God?
• Repent and Realign: If you find that you have been living in the cesspool of sin or chasing the vain things of life, repent and turn back to God. Make a conscious choice to forsake the ways of the world and embrace His way.
• Become a Doer of the Word: Move beyond passive listening and actively engage with God’s Word. Read it, meditate on it, and pray for the strength to live it out in your daily life.
• Live a Life of Love: Consciously choose to love and build up those around you, rejecting the urge to backbite or tear down. Let your love for others be a witness to the love God has shown you.
• Give of Yourself to God: Stop making excuses for spiritual laziness. Give God your time, your praise, your thanks, and your service. Live a life that is a continual offering of worship to Him.
Final Word of Encouragement
Do not be discouraged by the perceived difficulty of this path. While the call of Jesus is a call to forsake all, He never leaves us to walk it alone. He has promised to give us all that we need to be kept on His way. His Spirit is a constant guide, His Word is a constant light, and His love is an unfailing source of strength. The way of life, love, and light is a joyful and fulfilling journey, not a burdensome one. Be thankful today that you have been offered this opportunity to live a life that truly matters and will last forever.
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(Prayer of Salvation)
Dear Lord Jesus,
I come to you today and I acknowledge that I have sinned and have been living in the ways of the world. I have been separated from You because of my sin. I confess my selfishness and my failures. I believe that You are the Son of God, and that You died on the cross for my sins and were raised from the dead on the third day. I ask You to forgive me and to come into my heart and my life today. I choose to turn away from a life centered on myself and the world, and I choose to live a life for You. Guide me by Your Spirit, teach me Your way, and help me to walk in Your steps every day. Thank You for saving me and giving me eternal life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
