A Covenant Moment ~ Life is Too Short for Sloppy Agape

Life is Too Short for Sloppy Agape

November 2, 2010

Greetings!

Today's devotion continues the series "Life is Too Short..." We have examined the brevity of life and the need to focus for success in our faith walk with God. Today we will be discussing "Sloppy Agape" or "sloppy love".

We are in a season of transition. Sometime today, many people will visit the polls and vote for a new candidate, position or law. New people will fill offices and the old will leave. As a result, policies, plans and purpose will change as leadership changes. Transition ... it happens.

Agape is a Greek word that represents the highest type of love. Agape love is unconditional love that, in essence, is only provided by God Himself. Jesus operated in agape love.

The term "sloppy agape" has been around for some time and is used to describe the careless use of life, gifts or love. Thus, "sloppy agape" is used anytime someone doesn't live up to the standard the situation requires. As followers of Jesus, we operate in sloppy agape when we live carelessly and do not seize divine opportunities through execution in God's love and character.

Life is too short for sloppy agape. As followers of Jesus, we need to be responsible for the great privileges God has provided. Life is too short to waste energy, time and resources on sloppy acts, behavior, speech or thought. We must be careful and watchful as the enemy of our soul has a plan for destruction and deceit:

^"8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

1 Peter 5:8-9

One way to defeat the enemy that prowls to devour is to stop the sloppy agape and realize life is too short for carelessness be it in the polls, in our families, at work or on mission. Remember, God has created you on purpose and for a purpose and sloppy agape is nothing more then a threat against your destiny.

Guard against Sloppy Agape with Careful Living

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible-and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

   "Wake up, sleeper,
   rise from the dead,
   and Christ will shine on you."

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

~ Ephesians 5:8-17 ~

Be a Good Steward of the Gift of Life

Life is too short for sloppy agape. Life is too short to go through the motions and not really engage! In Paul's warning to the Ephesian church, he was speaking out against sloppy agape and for careful living. Paul's encouragement is to focus on how we live, be careful in all situations, and to take advantage of the opportunities God provides.

When we focus on doing our best in every given life situation we are glorifying God in the moment and with our life. When we operate in sloppy agape we are abdicating our responsibility as stewards of God's gift and opportunity. It is time, as Paul states, to "wake up" and live. We have all been given the gift of life in Jesus and life is too short for sloppy agape. There are people that need the "Jesus in you" to shine forth as an example of His goodness, love and grace.

With every privilege comes responsibility. You have been given the privilege to be called a child of God (1 John 3:1-3). You have a responsibility to operate in God's nature as a result of this great privilege. You are a family representative. You have the honor of being called an ambassador of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). There is no time for sloppy agape.

The Bible calls us to love God with all of our heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:35-37). This is a mandate for living and a repellant for sloppy agape. As we focus on living for Jesus, sloppy agape becomes a nuisance as all energy, strength and thought goes to pleasing our King and Lord ... Jesus!

Friend, whether you are voting today, taking the children to an activity, working on a project, making financial decisions, or simply planning your weekend ... in whatever you do, do it unto the Lord Jesus Christ and you will not operate in sloppy agape. There are many seemingly mundane acts that we do in a given day but each matters to God. Be a good steward of the life God has provided by keeping your focus on serving the King. Life is too short for sloppy agape. The only hope for mankind is God's agape love.

For King and Kingdom,

Randy Martin

661-326-8304