Die Empty
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
Insight
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. We often find ourselves caught up in the mundane, forgetting that our time on this earth is finite. Yet, as believers, we are called to a higher purpose - to live fully for Christ and to empty ourselves in service to Him and others.
Giving ourselves "fully to the work of the Lord" isn't a call for partial obedience or convenient Christianity. It is an invitation to pour out every ounce of our being into reflecting Christ in all we do. But what does this look like in practice?
Living fully and dying empty isn't about grand gestures or momentous achievements. It is about making steady progress each day on the things that truly matter. It is recognizing that you have a unique contribution to make to the world - one that only you can fulfill. Your days are numbered, and with each passing moment, you have an opportunity to plant seeds for tomorrow in the soil of today's decisions.
As we journey through life, our understanding of our "sweet spot" - that intersection of our talents, passions, and the world's needs - develops over time. It is a process of discovery, guided by the Holy Spirit, as we seek to align our lives with God's will. This alignment isn't about perfection, but about consistency. Greatness emerges when we consistently choose to show up with a sense of urgency and diligence, even in the smallest of tasks.
Our actions define us, not our intentions. It's easy to have grand plans for how we will serve God "someday," but the reality is that our legacy is built one decision, one day at a time. It shows up in what we do and how we do it. Our life reflects our priorities and values, whether we intend it to or not.
So how do we live this out practically? It starts with inviting God into our daily routine. We must pray for eyes to see the needs around us, allowing our perspective to shift dramatically. Suddenly, our challenges and frustrations become opportunities to become more like Christ. The mundane task becomes an act of worship.
Relying solely on our strength and ability won't cut it. The only way to give ourselves entirely to God's work is by allowing Him full access to work within us. It is a daily surrender, a moment-by-moment dependence on His grace and power.
In God's Kingdom, effort matters more than results. All God asks of us is to display obedience and step out in faith. What happens afterward is not on our shoulders. It’s as if God is saying, "Do all that you can with what you have been given, and then trust me with the rest."
As we live this way, something beautiful happens. Our lives begin to display our acceptance and understanding of Christ's love. It changes how we see ourselves and those around us. Our love causes the world to take notice. Compassion fuels curiosity. Love leads to opportunities. Empathy opens ears. People begin to wonder what makes us different. Why are we full of hope? Why are we quick to extend forgiveness and offer second chances? Why do we love everyone and make them feel valued, cared for, and known?
As we embrace “leverage our life” to bring beauty to the world - fully committed, steadily progressing, and consistently showing up - we find ourselves being emptied. But it is not an emptying that leaves us depleted. Instead, it is an emptying that makes room for more of God's love, more of His power, more of His purpose. And in the end, when our days on this earth are done, we can look back and know that we lived fully, loved deeply, and left a legacy that points unmistakably to Christ.
Reflection
When you consider the concept of leaving a legacy, what specific impact do you hope to have on your family, community, and the world at large?
How can you cultivate a greater sense of urgency in your spiritual life without falling into anxiety or burnout? What does healthy, sustainable spiritual diligence look like for you?
Further Practice
Taking an audit of your life is a powerful practice for ensuring that your life remains aligned with your values, goals, and the legacy you want to leave. Every few months, set aside time to review your priorities, goals, and daily habits.
Prayer
Lord, help me to live fully and die empty, pouring out my life in service to You and others. Grant me the wisdom to understand my unique calling and the courage to pursue it diligently. May my daily choices reflect Your priorities, and may my life be a testament to Your transformative love. Amen.
This Sunday, July 14th, our church will practice a Sabbath Sunday. On this day, our church does not gather at any of our campuses, but instead we encourage each other to take time to intentionally stop, rest, and delight! We’ve created a Sabbath Preparation Guide to help you plan for this rhythm of rest, including specific ideas for families. We also have a Devotional Experience if you’d like additional content for your day. To find our resources for this Sabbath Sunday, you can head to www.portcity.church/summer. We look forward to seeing you at one of our gatherings the following Sunday, July 21st.