THE RIGHT QUESTION!
Sunday’s Monday
There is a question that we need to consistently ask ourselves and Christmas is a perfect time to ask and answer it. The question we’re taught to ask is, what is the meaning of life? Which when answered adds no value to our lifestyle as it is merely head knowledge. The appropriate question one should ask themselves is, how do I add “meaning,” to my life? Think about that for a few minutes if you will. I Google what is the true meaning of life? And found this answer; no one can tell the actual definition of the meaning of life. For some, it is all about happiness, building a family, and leading life as it is. The study found that the meaning of life is associated with better physical and mental well-being. Not a lot of help. It appears the world only has an opinion rather than a true definition for the answer. Again, turning to Google for the scriptural meaning of life; Jesus says in Luke 17:33 (ESV) “Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.” The only way to find life is to find it in God and in pursuit of Him in every season of life. According to the Bible, the meaning of life is found in believing in Jesus (John 20:31).
Two totally different definitions. Well, actually only one as the world view is highly questionable at best. My question is quite personal and highly revealing in one’s self-image. How can I add meaning to my life? One of my favorite verses for adding value or meaning to one’s life is from Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT), 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God - truly righteous and holy. Life, as it is, is a precious gift! Not one of us asked to be born, nor did we have a choice in the when, where, or what. Contrary to a growing belief, God placed us right where He wanted us, in a family that needs us, giving us the race, color, and nationality to best suit His purpose for our lives. Life is a gift! We don’t own it! God gives us life to suit His purpose and bring Him pleasure, He even inspired the writing of the bible to teach us how to add His meaning to this life.
Just as with everything else of this world, there has to be an attraction to increase the value. And what I’m about to say should strike a nerve in every one of us. “Human kindness is on the endangered list of going extinct!” Respect for God’s creations is decreasing all around us, as is obvious with the taking of human lives or the destruction of the earth’s natural resources. There are still some of us left that can remember when a handshake sealed a contract or when respect for others was mandatory and for the most part, people were polite and courteous. Now that gives life meaning but those inviting features, have dropped by the wayside. How can I add meaning to my life? CHANGE! As it is written in Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT), 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
You’ll find this is not nearly as simple as it sounds, however you will also find the rewards to be addictive. As you allow God to remove your old nature and replace it with His new nature everything and I do mean everything your life was about, now has meaning. All your effort produces a joy like no other, even when things get really hard. You as a person will become inviting for people to enjoy and desire. Over time you will enjoy meeting new people and sharing bits of wisdom and life with them. The world will take on a new concept for you even though it hasn’t changed. No! I’m wrong because it has changed by one person. One more person with a new meaning for life has taken residence on this rugged rock and the people you come in contact with will notice. As my pastor says, “be that friend you’ve always dreamed of having.” Please seek to add meaning to your life, for your sake and mine.
I pray Paul’s prayer for all of us. Ephesians 3:14-21 (NLT), 14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
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