A Closer Walk 2 | Life Is a Gift

Our lives—both physically and spiritually—are a gift from our Creator. Our goal should be to take care of this gift in order to live a long life here, as well as spend eternity in heaven.

Scripture Focus: Genesis 2:7; Psalm 139:13, 14; John 1:1-3; 3; 10:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 2:1-5

In this exercise, you may choose more than one response for each question:

Read Psalm 139:13-16. Most everyone can find things about their physical bodies that they don’t like and wish were different. How does this text make you feel about yours?

• I was created by God. That makes me unique and special.
• God was involved in my life when I was still in my mother’s womb.
• Once born, my body represents my choices and should not be blamed on God.
• God had a plan for my life before I was born.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. How is it possible to become a “new creation”?

• We become spiritually new on the inside, which influences our motives.
• The old “us” is gone—and we don’t have to bring him or her back again.
• This happens as a result of being “in Christ” and forming a close relationship.
• Our physical bodies become new, too, as we stop old habits that hurt us.
• I honestly don’t feel I can become new. I’ve done too much damage in my past.

Read Philippians 2:1-5. According to this text, in what ways should our attitude toward others be the same as Jesus’ attitude?

• We should be “like-minded,” agreeing in love for one another.
• This isn’t always possible because some people are just too difficult to love.
• We should be one in our purpose to prepare the world for Jesus’ return.
• Our motives should never be selfish ones.
• We need to look out for each other in the same way that members of a loving family do so.

Read John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 4:18. How could these two texts bring hope to discouraged people?

• Jesus came to give us not only eternal life, but a better quality of life while we wait for heaven.
• By following Jesus’ example, our lives become healthier mentally, spiritually, physically, and socially.
• We know that the troubles of this world are temporary.
• Although we live in the here and now, we long for what we know is coming.
• As good as this life is, when troubles come, we’re reminded that we’re not in heaven yet.

Our lives—both physically and spiritually—are a gift from our Creator. Our goal should be to take care of this gift in order to live a long life here, as well as spend eternity in heaven.

• Write about some of the ways you take care of your body. List any areas in which you would like to make changes, and choose one thing to begin with.
• Think about this question: Is not the taking care of your body also taking care of your soul?
• Journal your results.*

* Adapted with permission from the iFollow Discipleship Resource, ©North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.