A FOCUSED LIFE
By Pastor Terry Wong

Life is becoming more and more complicated with each generation. Kids are more involved in school and activities and parents are busy with work and managing a home. Even at Northwest, life is getting busier and more complicated as we try to meet the needs of our growing congregation. I would like to encourage the church familiy to to stay focused on God's plan and purpose for your life.

Jesus gave us the Great Commission and the Greatest Commandment to give our lives direction and purpose. The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:18-20; "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been giving to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." NIV.

That is our mission, to make disciples. It begins with reaching the lost for Christ. The word "go" in these verses means "as you are going through life." It doesn't mean you are going on a mission trip overseas. As you work, shop, or hang out with friends, reach the lost for our Lord Jesus Christ. We accomplish this task by obeying the Greatest Commandment found in Matthew 22:37-40; "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." NIV. You fulfill the Great Commision by obeying the Greatest Commandment. Love is your motivation for serving God and loving people is how you share the message.

It does not take a dramatic change in your busy life, only a slight shift in focus. Read Christian books during your lunch break at work. People always ask "What are you reading?" On potluck Sunday, invite a friend or family member to come to worship service and enjoy an all you can eat Chinese buffet. Make it a great experience by making sure they sit with you during service and have a sermon outline. Introduce them to people and go first in line at the potluck.

Take a step of faith and you will see lives changed for the glory of God!