Living Faithfully in the Moment

Life has a way of pulling us in two directions—back toward our past mistakes or forward into anxieties about the future. Scripture calls us to something better: to live in the present, grounded in the gospel, and faithful to God’s call.

In the opening words of Galatians, Paul reminds us of three realities that matter just as much today as they did in the first century—the messenger of God’s Word, the message of God’s Word, and the moment of God’s Word. Each one presses into how we live out our faith.

Paul makes it clear that his authority didn’t come from people but from God. His life was living proof of transformation. The same is true for us. Whether you’ve been following Jesus for decades or only recently placed your faith in Him, your life is a letter others are reading every day.

That means your choices, your words, and even your reactions to hardship are shaping how others see Christ. You don’t need a title or a pulpit to be a messenger—your integrity at work, your patience at home, your kindness in the neighborhood are sermons in themselves. The question is: does your life validate the gospel you confess?

Paul writes that Jesus “gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age.” That’s the heart of the gospel—and it’s still enough for every generation. Yet we live in a world that constantly tries to complicate or dilute that message.

Some people reduce faith to a checklist of religious duties. Others try to merge the gospel with cultural approval or personal success. But the good news has never needed additions. Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient. His resurrection is victorious. His grace is what saves and sustains us.

For us, this means resisting the temptation to measure our worth by performance, status, or control. It means remembering that our failures don’t disqualify us and our successes don’t define us. Our hope is anchored in Jesus alone.

Paul concludes with a doxology: “To him be the glory forever and ever.” That kind of eternal perspective frees us to live faithfully in the present.

Some of us get stuck looking backward—replaying regrets, wishing for what once was. Others live in constant anxiety about what’s ahead—relationships, finances, health, or the unknown. Both rob us of the joy and purpose God has for today.

The psalmist writes, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). That means today matters. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Today. Living in the moment doesn’t mean ignoring the past or neglecting the future—it means entrusting both to God and choosing to glorify Him now.

So what does it look like to live faithfully in the moment?

• Embrace your role as a witness. Remember that your everyday life speaks louder than you realize.
• Rest in the gospel. Let go of performance-driven faith and lean fully into grace.
• Practice presence. Pray in the morning, listen to God’s Word throughout the day, and look for ways to encourage someone before the sun sets.
• Release worry. Cast your cares on Him, knowing He cares for you.

The gospel calls us not only to believe but to live with purpose. Your story, however broken or unfinished it feels, is being written into God’s greater story. He’s not asking you to carry yesterday’s burdens or tomorrow’s fears—He’s inviting you to trust Him with today.

So live fully in this moment. Be faithful. Be anchored. Be present. And give Him the glory—forever and ever.

This blog is based on a message preached by Interim Pastor Steve Dighton on Sunday, August 24. You can watch the full message here.