OK, we are on a journey through this thing called life. WHY? Is there a reason for us to be here and to have to suffer and enjoy all that we do? There are volumes of books that address this issue with varying degrees of believability. I know I have asked this question on a daily basis (even after reading many of those so-called self-help books. ) Here are MY thoughts:
How are we perceiving our life?
Too many of us gauge our lives by what WE possess ($$, “toys”, properties etc) Too few of us value what we give OTHERS . The concept of looking OUTWARD instead of INWARD for value is a shrinking virtue in today's world. I propose that we re-think our position in this perception and see the value of devoting more time looking at how we can help someone else than looking at our own pathetic circumstance and hosting our own “pity-party”
A lot of modern “evangelists” and self-help gurus preach the concept that God is a vending machine and all we have to do is plug in a prayer and out pops the goodies. Sorry. I pray and study regularly and that is NOT how I read things. God has a purpose for us and it is not to just sit back and collect “things”.
Why are we here?
I believe that we are here by design, for God (The Creator)'s pleasure and to reflect and share the love and creativity that HE has given each of us. That is why there are so many different kinds of people and different talents and skills instilled in each of us. I am NOT a lawyer or doctor, but I can help fix about anything around the house including your computer. A Doctor (or Lawyer) may barely know how to turn on their PC or make coffee. Which one is smarter? With such diversity, we have to have standards and rules to merge these different abilities into a harmonious existence. God has provided this in HIS WORD. This gives us a guideline to exercise our abilities to complement and display God's Wonderful Power and Love. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians (Ch 12 and 13) explains how we should view our different abilities.
What are our goals?
God has given each of us goals and dreams. He has instilled “free-will” into our life and the ability and tools to reach those goals. If you (or I) allow the world (or even our peers) to change those goals based on THEIR agenda and values, we may find it more difficult and less fulfilling to travel that path. Matthew 6:33 has been quated as the basis of many charletons to get what you ask for. This verse actually reads : “But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Take note of the beginning of the verse as a qualifier, or better yet, read the whole chapter for context and the exactly what Jesus was teaching.
So it is true that God will gives us what we want AFTER he changes our “wanter”
How do we measure success?
Success is such a generic goal. We first have to decide on what currency we want to use as our measure. What is of value to you? Is it money, love, power, prestige? I believe that if we modify our currency to something that holds a legacy, then we can more accurately measure the success(es) in our lives. For me, it is the laugh of my grandchildren. The love of my wife. The knowledge that I have helped in a small way to make this world a better place for those around me. I perceive myself as having a servant's heart, so the words of appreciation from family and friends weigh much more than gold (ask my bank account – haha).
By looking OUTWARD for ways to share and display my gifts, I am able to expand my satisfaction and at the same time make someone else's life a little better and/or easier. By GIVING love, I receive the same in an exponentially greater amount. By spending my energy to help someone else, I set the example for my children and grandchildren to make this world better and to “fit into” God's design for humanity. So when I face my CREATOR, I can know that I did this with a pure heart and with no hidden agenda, because there is NOTHING hidden from HIM.
Summary
So it is my conclusion that our purpose in life is to use whatever we can to promote Heaven on earth. To manage our talents to the benefit for all. By doing this, God will take care of the small stuff and we can rely on his WORD to provide us guidance when something is questionable.
NOTE TO SELF: Read this daily to keep your perspective in life. It AIN'T all about me!!!!!!!!!
May God Bless You and Yours
Gene
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