LIVE ON: The Ultimate Gift of Life

What does it mean to truly "Live On"? While organizations like LiveOnNY save lives through physical organ donation, there is a spiritual "transplant" available to everyone through Jesus Christ. This post explores the connection between honoring our physical bodies as temples and honoring our souls through a consistent life of prayer and the Word of God.

C. Atkinson

9/12/20233 min read

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” — Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

Every morning we open our eyes is a miraculous gift—a sign of God’s continued favor. It isn't just the sight that is a blessing, but the complex, quiet symphony of our organs functioning together effectively.

According to organdonor.gov, over 100,000 people are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list. Every 10 minutes, another name is added, and tragically, 17 people die each day waiting for a life-saving match. Organizations like LiveOnNY do incredible work to honor and save lives through donation. As believers, we recognize that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit; they belong to the Lord, and we are called to honor Him with them (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

The Spiritual Transplant

I have personally witnessed how organ donation can be a second chance for those needing a heart, kidney, or liver. However, when we look at our relationship with Christ, we see a parallel mission. As disciples, we are called to be "spiritual donors"—sharing the life-giving message of the Gospel to save souls.

In Matthew 28, Jesus commissioned His disciples to go and make more disciples of all nations. He was offering the world the greatest "Live On" plan ever conceived: the sacrifice of Himself. To survive in a broken world, we need more than physical health; we need the "Living Water" that Jesus promised. He told the crowds that anyone who believes in Him would have rivers of living water flowing from their hearts (John 7:37-39).

Sustained by the Word

When Jesus was in the wilderness, Satan tempted Him with physical bread. Jesus’ response provides the blueprint for our spiritual survival: we cannot live on physical sustenance alone. We must "Live On" every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Preacher Raymond Woodward once spoke on the "four lanes of prayer," noting that we should develop a habit of daily prayer. The goal isn't perfection, but consistency. These daily conversations with Jesus allow us to "Live On" day by day with total confidence. When we are filled with His Spirit, the "Greater One" lives inside of us, securing our eternity (1 John 4:4).

To Live is Christ

The Apostle Paul understood the true meaning of "Living On." Writing from a prison cell to the church at Philippi, he said:

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain... I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.” (Philippians 1:21-23)

Paul knew that whether he remained in the body to work for the Kingdom or departed to be with the Lord, he would Live On.

While medical science is a blessing, it has limits. Some are not candidates for transplants, and others face the reality of organ rejection. But in Jesus, there is a hope that never fails. Whether we are healed on this earth or called home to heaven, the reward of eternal life remains.

Don’t wait for a crisis or a season of sickness to reach out to Him. Choose the "better by far" option today. Commit to a life of prayer, worship, and the study of the Living Word.

A Prayer for Life

Dear Abba Father, We thank You for Your immense love—the love that sent Your only Son so that we might have eternal life. Help us to "Live On" in You with confidence. We thank You that in You we live, move, and have our being.

You have given us spiritual life through the blood shed at Calvary. Grant us the boldness to spread the Good News, knowing that You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You are all we need to survive. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.