Talk

What on Earth Are You Doing with Your Life?

Louie Giglio
April, 30, 2023

Louie challenges listeners by drawing attention to the ‘dash’ that represents our lives–the tiny mark on gravestones that properly represents the ‘mist’ of a life we live. Ironically, however, it is the brevity of life that reminds us how precious it is to live and how crucial it is to live for Jesus.

Key Takeaway

Because heaven has no do-overs, it is imperative we own God's space and assignment on our lives.

The realization of the brevity of life leads to:

  1. Humility.

  2. Precision.

"Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him."

2 Pet. 3:14

“
"Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last."
”
CT Studd

Discussion Questions

  1. What are a few things or life experiences that make life feel short?

  2. What are a few things or life experiences that make life feel long?

  3. Have you ever been to a funeral/celebration of life? Were any especially memorable? For what reason?

  4. How does the realization of the brevity of life help you live more like you are meant to live?

  5. What’s the difference between saving wisely and “storing up” excess? In other words, at what point does saving become unbiblical?

  6. What does it mean to be “found spotless” if we are already saved and justified?

  7. How does “peace with God” have to do with much more than being saved? If anything that is not aligned with His will is not at peace with Him, what part of your life is not at peace with God?

  8. How do you think your life stacks up to the Apostle Paul or Peter’s life? What would you tell them if they asked you about your life’s ministry?

  9. Pastor Louie mentioned that he did not want anyone to get legalistic with the call on our lives. What is the difference between living a life that counts out of obligation versus inclination?

  10. This collection of talks has been a powerful reminder to live life on purpose. What can you do to remind yourself of the same truths and thinking that you have when leaving these talks?

Scripture References

8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.
9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives
12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.
13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
14So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
15Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.
10Our days may come to seventy years,

or eighty, if our strength endures;

yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,

for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

11If only we knew the power of your anger!

Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.

12Teach us to number our days,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

4“Show me,
Lord
, my life’s end

and the number of my days;

let me know how fleeting my life is.

5You have made my days a mere handbreadth;

the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Everyone is but a breath,

even those who seem secure.

13Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”
14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
15Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
16As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.
17If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
14Jesus replied,
“Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?”
15Then he said to them,
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
16And he told them this parable:
“The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.
17
He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
18
“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.
19
And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’
20
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
21
“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
Louie Giglio
Louie Giglio
Louie Giglio is the Visionary Architect and Director of the Passion Movement, comprised of Passion Conferences, Passion City Church, Passion Publishing and sixstepsrecords, and the founder of Passion Institute.