Every person on the face of our planet searches for the meaning of life and their place in the larger scheme of existence. Many want fame, riches, success, health and some even seek inner peace and happiness. Others wish they were never born; some do not want to die. Now that they are here, some want to live forever. Others want to end their life here and now and take the chance that what is on the other side of life is better than the reality facing us here on earth.
The basic need in all of us
is to find some sort of fulfillment now and in eternity as well. We concentrate
on family, business, hobbies and sometimes even church of some sort. However,
when we attempt to find fulfillment only by meeting our own needs, a web of
conflict erupts. Self-centeredness limits us in life. It narrows the circle of
our possibilities for our future. It’s stunts our emotional and social growth
and restricts our full potential. We fail to encourage, strengthen and minister
to others, because our life is consumed with our self.
Our needs often become an
idol in our life, because we focus more about them than we do our Savior. This
is a very lonely existence indeed. Most people who reach their goals and
fulfill their ambitions in this manner end up very unhappy with the end result.
Paul is a great example of someone who had nothing, but who lived a completely
fulfilled life. Even prison did not douse his joy. His fulfillment did not
depend upon any person, place or thing. He found His joy only in his
relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul put his time in jail to
good use and wrote letters that continue to edify Christians throughout the
centuries of time. His legacy is more lasting than all the riches in the world.
When we choose to submit our life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, as Paul did,
He fills us with His righteousness in exchange for our sin, Godly wisdom
replaces our temporal knowledge, faith takes the place of doubt and the fruit
of the Spirit overcomes our carnal attitudes and expressions.
We can confidently trust that
He who began a good work in us, will continue molding us until Jesus Christ
returns (Philippians 1:6). God’s
Agape love makes a true difference in our life. His Word is sustenance to our
soul and a lamp to guide us on our path. God will be there for you, even when no one else is; He's the only one you
can really count on to stand in your corner every time. He
walks within us and leads us to spiritual prosperity and fulfillment. This, in
turn, affects our soul – our mind, will and emotions, as well as our body. We
are filled with deep peace and joy that transcends anything the world has to offer
(John 14:27).
God has a purpose for
everyone, and we will never find fulfillment if we do not live within that
purpose. A church or an individual who puts their trust in Jesus alone, apart
from human effort or accomplishment, finds what they are looking for. Those who
think they are Christians, but who follow the designs and dictates of the world
are simply fooling themselves. Everyone else can see their hypocritical
lifestyle; and they lose respect for God and the church because of it.
Righteousness is not a list
of imperatives, but the result of a life fully submitted to God. It is only as
we are filled with the fruit of Christ’s righteousness that we can ever bring
honor, glory and praise to God (Philippians 1:11).
Integrity is the most vital factor in the life of a fulfilled believer. The
objects and relationships that the world considers crucial are mere illusions.
God completes His work in us as we totally surrender to His love and care.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, everyone searches
for fulfillment; however, only those who put their total faith and trust in You
will find what they are truly looking for. Everything else is an fantasy, which
fades in the light of the Son. You are our only source of true peace and joy.
We are only complete in You. A healthy life as well as a healthy church is
submitted to Your Lordship and Your Spirit’s direction. As we submit to Your
will for our life, You reveal Your perfect plan for us during each individual
moment of our day.
Thought for the Day:
If all we have is
God, we have everything we need (John 14:8).
