Deep thinkers, mystics,
scientists, authors and poets all try to pinpoint the origin and meaning of
life, but they reject the truth of God’s Word. Then they come up with theories
they cannot prove, even by their own laws.
Many people
find fulfillment in their career, children, mate, church ministries, world
travel, a new home, a sporty car, completing a "bucket list", serving
in a charity, getting involved in local politics, triumphing in a career,
delving into alternative spiritual activities - which deviate from the traditional
Christian world view.
This
fulfillment may last for years, but as we age, we lose interest in these
pursuits, because they do not really provide us with lasting fulfillment. Our human plans often operate on impulses,
and are otherwise the results of us reasoning things out.
We are never quite able, however,
apart from Christ, to come to understand the complete truth about life (2
Timothy 3:6-7). The wisdom and power of a nurtured life come only from the
unconditional love of our crucified Christ (1 Corinthians 23-24).
Boasting
in our own knowledge and human abilities is useless and quite humorous (1
Corinthians 4:7, 5:6). Looking above our human wisdom to Jesus, who is our only
true source of wisdom and joy, is the way to bear lasting fruit in our life
(John 15:11).
Making
Jesus the center of our focus and submitting to God's Spirit within us allows
the Trinity to sanctify our carnality and nurture Christ's divinity within us
(Galatians 2:20).
We die
to our self more each day, relinquishing our earthly pursuits in favor of
spiritual maturity. Our soul - our thoughts, decisions and feelings - prospers,
which allows our body and spirit to prosper as well (John 3:1:2; 1 Corinthians
15:31).
Prayer:
Father
God, thank You for the opportunity to share in the peace and glory of Christ in
us. We face the trials of each day with hope and optimism, because we know that
there is a seed for a miracle within each one (Hebrews 12:2-3). Remind us to
stop relying on our human talents and to depend solely on You, finding out what
You are doing in our life and joining You (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Clearly
reveal to us that trusting in our self is useless and we end up humiliated and
feeling hopeless. It is only as we walk away from evil and wholeheartedly
embrace Christ in us, that health returns to our body and nourishes our bones
(Proverbs 3:7-8). Reveal the truth to us that as we choose Your will over our
own will we grow deeper in our union with Christ abiding within us. Jesus is
all we really need to succeed in this life (1 John 3:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
Thought
for the Day:
In
our times of trouble, we cast our cares on God, because He truly cares for us
(1 Peter 5:7); He gives us His peace in exchange for our worries (Philippians
4:6, 7; 1 Peter 5:7; John 14:27); and when Satan
plagues us with guilt over our past, Jesus removes condemnation for those who
trust in Him (Romans 8:1).
