If you knew you only had 6 months to live, what would you do with your life? That was the question posed by the speaker, Todd Gongwer, author of Lead For God’s Sake, last Thursday evening at a fund raising event I attended for Marshall Area Christian School.
It was a question that really resonated with me, as that morning I had been in an accident, where someone pulled out right in front of me and in an effort to miss hitting them, I swerved left, they hit me, and spun me into a ditch and my truck rolled over to it’s side.
I am extremely thankful for God’s protection for everyone involved in that situation, as nobody was hurt, but it was a reminder that life can end just that fast. 30 years ago this summer my father-in-law was tragically killed in an accident at 57 years old when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle.
It is events like this that cause you to stop and pause, and reflect on what is really most important, and how you should be intentional about how you spend each hour of your life, whether you have 6 months or 60 years to live.
God’s Word provides solid insights on our purpose in life, and what we should be focusing on no matter what we are doing. When asked by his disciples, what is the greatest commandment; Jesus replied,
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39.
Servant leaders understand that life and leadership is about Building Relationships. This is done through love as Jesus commanded.
So if I have just one day or many days left, I want to love God and love others, building relationships every step of the way. I realize that this will take some intention and focus, but I know for a fact that if my life had ended the other day I would not have been wishing I had spent more time in my office by myself trying to generate one more business deal or engagement.
I need to keep my priorities straight while blessed with time on earth, and focus on building and enhancing relationships in every aspect of my life.
As you reflect, what are your main priorities as you live the life you have been blessed with?
Mark
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10
1st at this very moment I think God that you were not hurt in the accident. Mark, I know exactly what you went through in those moments after your accident. I still don’t have things figured out but I know that God spared my life for a purpose. you’re right,God spared your life for his purpose. he knows the desires of your heart are to put Him first. God is not finished with you yet. is this a wake up call? Maybe not. Maybe it’s just to show you that he is still the master and in control of everything. God bless your life with his presence as you spread his love and message to your family, friends, and clients. please forgive any typos you see in this message. I’m using speech to text because for some reason my keyboard is not working.
Jane, thanks so much for your thoughts! I definitely trust in His plan and want to be as intentional as possible in living out the purpose He has for me.