2004-04-04 - The Meaning of Life

The Meaning of Life Series, Part 2

3. Where Does Life Come From

   The Christian life then is one which is based in having our "treasure" with the Lord. And if we buy into the world's view that our treasure is in this world, then our lives will not reflect Christ, but become undistinguishable from those of the unbelievers around us.

   Consider this. Look at your day-to-day walk and ask yourself "What does this say about where I believe life comes from?" Now, by life, I mean that which is the primary motivator for our actions.

   Maybe this example will clarify the issue. You're in the supermarket and see a mother and child coming down the aisle. The child is yelling and screaming, throwing a regular tantrum in the middle of the floor. The mother is, in turn, screaming back at the child. She slaps the little one hard and continues to yell. At that moment, where does this mother believe life comes from? If she is motivated by the child embarrassing her, making her look like a bad mother, then life comes from being perceived as a good mother. If life came from God, then her desire would be to please Him and be the mother He wants her to be. Her behavior toward the child would be calculated on what is best for the child, not a result of her concern over how others perceive either of them.

   One of the things I've done as a counselor is to advise people on how to deal with stressful situations in the job environment. Too often, our primary motivation is to win the praise and appreciation of our boss. Now certainly there isn't anything wrong with wanting to have our boss appreciate us, but this is a poor motivator. We've all had bosses we can't please, no matter what we do. Our concern as an employee is to be the best we can be for the Lord and if we are doing our best for Him, then we wouldn't be overwhelmed by the boss' rejection.

   Now I hope you understand what I mean by life. It is only as we recognize life comes from God and nowhere else, that we will be able to accept life for what it is, not what we want it to be.

   Again, let's look at the words of Paul. "through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:2-5).

To be continued.

Comments or Questions?
Geoff

Gkragen@aol.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org