In a recent sermon, Pastor Boyd Stansford challenged us with a simple yet profound question: What holds the most value in your life? Is it family, wealth, possessions, or fame? Or could it be something far greater, like serving others in the name of Jesus Christ? Drawing from Matthew 25:31-46, Pastor Stansford reminds us that our lives are not about personal gain but about honouring God through our relationship with Him, our responsibilities to Him, and the eternal realities that await us. This message calls us to reflect on what truly matters and to live with purpose for Christ’s glory.
Your Relationship with God (Matthew 25:33-34)
The foundation of a meaningful life begins with your relationship with God. In Matthew 25:33-34, Jesus describes a future moment when He will separate the sheep from the goats, placing the sheep on His right hand and inviting them into His kingdom. This passage emphasizes a critical truth: you are either a child of God or you are not. Your sin separates you from God (Isaiah 59:2), but through Jesus Christ, salvation is offered to all who call upon His name (Romans 10:13). Pastor Stansford stressed that no decision is more significant than accepting Jesus as your Saviour. Without this relationship, you face eternal separation from God. Your background, language, or upbringing does not matter; what matters is whether you have trusted Christ for salvation. This relationship is the cornerstone of a life that holds eternal value.
Your Responsibility to God (Matthew 25:34)
Beyond salvation, God calls us to live out our responsibilities to Him. In Matthew 25:34, Jesus welcomes the faithful into a kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world. Pastor Stansford highlighted that God has a unique plan for each of us, whether we are young college students seeking direction or adults navigating careers and families. However, this plan is not about self-fulfillment but about self-denial. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). The world urges us to follow our hearts or believe in ourselves, but Jesus calls us to follow Him and serve others. Christianity is practical; it is about meeting the needs of those around us, whether by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, or visiting the sick (Matthew 25:35-36). Pastor Stansford shared a story of a young girl named Tracy, whose life was transformed because two youth leaders chose kindness over frustration. By serving others in Jesus’ name, we fulfill our responsibilities to God and reflect His love to a hurting world.
The Realities of Eternity (Matthew 25:41)
The sermon concluded with a sobering reminder of the realities of eternity. In Matthew 25:41, Jesus warns those who reject Him, saying, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Heaven is real, but so is hell, a place of eternal punishment for those who do not accept Christ. Pastor Stansford emphasized that the Word of God and the souls of people are the only things that last forever. Buildings, possessions, and even fame will fade, but souls endure eternally. This truth compels us to share the gospel with others, whether through a kind act, a door hanger inviting someone to church, or a simple conversation about Jesus. Every small act of service can lead someone to salvation, ensuring they join the great cloud of witnesses in heaven (Hebrews 12:1). Pastor Stansford encouraged us to live intentionally, seeking opportunities to serve and share Christ, knowing that our actions have eternal impact.
Conclusion
As Pastor Stansford closed, he urged us to consider what we are doing with our lives. Are we living for ourselves, or are we serving Jesus by serving others? A simple act, like handing out a flyer or mowing a neighbour’s lawn, can open the door for someone to hear the gospel and find salvation. Our lives are not about personal achievements but about glorifying God through our relationship with Him, our responsibilities to Him, and our commitment to sharing His love. Let us pray, as Pastor Stansford did, that God will show us someone with a need and guide us to meet it in Jesus’ name, trusting that our service will echo into eternity.