Whatever It Takes!

Let’s start the new year off right by reaffirming our commitment to do whatever it takes to see God’s Kingdom come, to live out God’s purpose in our generation, and to have maximum impact with our lives. Rick Warren gave this challenge when Saddleback turned 25 years old. This is the way I will live my life, by God’s grace:

A Call to Radical Commitment

Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling, and I’m
finished with wavering. I’ve made my choice; the verdict is in; and my
decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back
now!

I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s
people on God’s planet for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate
his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family,
demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and
a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on
shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing,
useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying.

Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship
over wealth, “we” over “me,” character over comfort, service over
status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know
what matters most, and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I
can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.

I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated
by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or
intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the
goal, not the sidelines or those running by me.

When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off,
back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by
God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused, so I
cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until
I finish the race.

I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace, so I will be gracious to
everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God
entrusts to me.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever,
wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes!
Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere.
Anyway.

Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes!

I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I’ll
hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and
let the eternal party begin!"

What does this mean?

Today, I affirm this commitment to God and submit to his plans and purposes for my life, no matter what it takes.

Will you answer the call to live with radical commitment to Christ?