The Big Life- Living Maximized

Grand. Large. Extravagant. Abundant. The maximized life is the life every believer should live. One of the ways we can live that life is to better manage our time. Time is the one commodity that you cannot get back, once it's gone, it's history! In this sermon recap, let's learn what we need to stop doing to live maximized and how to make the most of our time!

To get the most out of your day, know what your day consists of. Are you going to the grocery store, taking the kids to soccer practice, completing school work? One of the ways I make the most of my day is through organizing my day with a list. I write down the top 5 things I need to complete for me to count that day a success. Below is an example list that I complete after work.

For example

• workout (mornings)
• personal development (book or podcast)
• spiritual development (book, podcast)
• school work (lesson plans, materials, etc)
• quiet time

My list allows for grace. I give myself grace as life can happen. Do I mark everything off my list everyday, of course not, but I keep it moving!

Other than time, there are other things that can stop you from living maximized. 

1. Idolatry. The first thing that most likely comes to mind is bowing to a statue or the like. In this day, yes some people, idolize a statue, but it can also be something in your life is more important than God. Simply put, idolatry is the extreme reverence, admiration, or love for someone or something.  Where your affection is, your direction will follow. If that is not God, then it takes you away from the maximized life.

2. Lust.  To lust is to desire greatly or have a strong desire or longing for. Lust is not only in the familiar application regarding sexual immorality but also youthful lust. Sexual immorality damages faith, poisons the soul and can even kill the body. On the other hand, youthful lust scream of intense focus on oneself with arrogance. If one is so self-absorbed, how can one see, hear, or think of God? 

2Ti 2:22 (NASB) Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith,
love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

3. Fornication. It's everywhere, and the world is not trying to hide it, porn. Looking at the impure things has the potential to dull the pure things of God. I envision it trying to see God with scratched glasses and trying to hear Him with clogged ears. 

4. Tempting Christ. This may be better known as refusing to believe Him or His Word until He has manifested His power. It's almost like you're waiting for tangible evidence for you to take that leap of faith and do what He place on your heart. It's like saying, I'll believe if you ____.

Okay, so insert raised hand here 🙋‍♀️I've been guilty of wanting the proof before I move in faith. However, looking at proof and moving because of what I saw is not walking in faith, it's walking in sight. 

1Co 10:9 (AMPC) We should not tempt the Lord [try His patience, become
a trial to Him, critically appraise Him, and exploit His goodness] as some of
them did--and were killed by poisonous serpents; [Num 21:5-6]

5. Murmuring or Complaining. This gets absolutely nothing accomplished. What you say is important. I heard Terri Savelle Foy say this "If you complain, you remain." This goes to show the powerfulness of our words. Just as God created the heavens and earth with words we can create our world with our words.