Only One

 The average American household has multiple items of the same kind. For instance most of us, depending on if you are male or female probably have more shirts, blouses, pants, shoes, purses, and other types of clothing than you can count. In our houses we have many more lamps, pictures and nick knacks than we realize. How many chairs do you have? What about vehicles, guns, books, televisions and communication devices? I could go on and on listing things that we have more than one of. I think it would be mind boggling if we took inventory of all the duplicate items that we have. 

There may be a number of things that you own of which you only have one. But there is one most important thing that everyone of us have. Every person, past and present, has but one life. There is only one you. God did not make a duplicate when he made the person you see when you look in a mirror. Each of us were wonderfully made. We were created for a purpose. We were made through loving kindness. Every individual was born in sin, but because of God’s grace each of us has been given the opportunity to be forgiven of our sin to become children of his kingdom. God made us to live forever. He created us to be with him forever. 

As wonderful as we are in the sight of God we are extremely fragile. Just as we are careful to take good care of all the things we own, we should take care of ourselves both physically and spiritually. If we do not eat properly, exercise, get plenty of sleep and avoid things that are harmful we will suffer in various ways. God will not be pleased that we have not taken care of  one of his precious masterpieces. In the same way God expects us to be diligent in carrying for our spiritual self. We are to daily receive the spiritual manna that God offers us. Study and meditate on the holy scripture. Meet our Lord in conversation allowing him to speak to us. Praise and worship him privately and corporately. Surround yourself with others of like faith. We need each other. I need encouragement that my brothers and sisters give me, and they need my encouragement. We are to serve together because that makes us stronger. 

Why is all of this important? Because the one person and one body that is you will certainly die. You and I don’t know when, but it will happen. Hopefully you will be ready when death knocks on your door. Taking care of your life now us important because when you stand before your creator you will want to hear him say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”