"Practical Living"

 "And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God." (Ecclesiastes 3:13 KJV)

  "Remember this - a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever."" (2 Corinthians 9:6-9 NLT)

 To begin with, "Practical," has multi-layered meanings, which is ironic, because one would think to be practical would means something simple, as if when set a course, you focus on that and live in that arena. At least that is what I was told as a child; and then when I was a man, my boss told me to be practical and focus upon one career and be the best you can be at that.  

 When I became a Christian, everything changed! I stayed doing my work, working for the same boss that told me to be practical; but now I have multiple layers of my life: this life here, working and providing for my family; and the life of providing for eternity with the Lord! 

 Basically, it involves experience and real situations, where we put into practice by action the things we know that we must do. James gives a really good account of that, when he says, faith means action! There is an action to get saved, and there is an action to lay down your life; both require you to make a choice, and then move in that direction! 

 In this arena, we are living out the gift of God! We have all been given a gift, some more than others; but everyone has been given at least one or more gifts, right from the get-go! And everyone has the free gift of Salvation offered to them, they just need to reach out and grab hold of it! You know what I mean; this is a lesson from, "The Flouting Ax Head," where Elisha said, "Grab it," and the young apprentice reached out and grabbed it! 

 What I believe we are talking about, is living out what we have been given; both spiritually and in the world of that which is materially given; all of what we have belongs to God, all of what we have been given belongs to God; and all that is taken away, also belongs to God! If you think that the breath in you is yours, it too belongs to God, every breath is His, from your very first to your very last, it is the gift of life!

 So, if we really want to be practical, live as though all that you have is the gift of God, and live generously, to the best of your ability: see where that takes you...

"What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well" - but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith be itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless." (James 2:14-17 NLT)