Easter is about hope, renewal and the opportunity of a new life because of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. It is a reminder that new beginnings are possible. We celebrate and proclaim Christ risen and alive on Easter Sunday, but I wonder, “Is He ALIVE in our daily lives and what does this look like?” As we prepare for Easter, I invite you to reflect on being A.L.I.V.E. and living on purpose.
Let’s begin your time of reflection by welcoming God and enjoying time with Him. Set your mind and heart on God and listen to Him. God is your Creator, the author of your story. Invite Him to direct your reflection time, showing you where you are now and where He wants to take you. We’ll use A.L.I.V.E. as a guide:
A: Abide with Christ
Renewal requires God’s power and promises. To be renewed, we need to abide in Christ, to stay connected to the One who fills us with fresh life and strength.
L: Let go & Listen
Renewal requires making space for new growth. Is the fear of missing out (FOMO) driving you to do more, see more or buy more? Listening to God can be hard when our calendars and minds are overloaded with busyness. Let go of fear and clear the clutter. Choose to “trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.” (Prov. 3:5-6)
I: Invest Intentionally
During this time of renewal and growth, examine how you spend your days by asking “Who or what directs my choices and growth?” Are you driven by fear or will you make an intentional choice to hold up “God’s word as a light for your path?” (Ps 119:105) The more we reflect on God’s word and edit our lives, the more intentional we become about how we use time, money and resources. By choosing carefully what is important, we will intentionally invest our energy and attention in what matters most.
V: Value Vision
A personal vision clarifies direction in our lives and helps us to keep the end in mind. Having a personal vision statement helps us align our lives with God’s purpose for us. We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:10) During the process of creating a personal vision statement, you consider who you are in Christ, the unique spiritual gifts and natural abilities, passions and life experiences God has given you for the good works He prepared in advance for you to do.
E: Enjoy God
Enjoy the presence of God and delight in Him. Easter is a season to begin again, and to pause in amazement and wonder at our God, who redeemed our lives and invites us into relationship with Him. Each breath we take is a gift. May we fulfill our chief end to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.