Give Meaning To Your Life

"In this world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it."  - Oscar Wilde

It appears that many of us are guilty of "chasing after the wind" as it is mentioned in Ecclesiastes 1:14. I know that many would argue that this isn't the case, but the pursuit of "meaningless" things seems to consume a big chunk of our lives.

Allow me to lay a little groundwork prior to discussing this further. In all fairness, we have a lot more temptation to deal with in our modern society. Marketing plays a big part in this. It's not the marketers fault, they're just doing their job. The fault lies with us for not resisting, or scrutinizing it like we should.

Advertisements and commercials play with our senses and emotions. They make us feel as if we can't live without their product. And you know what? It works beautifully. According to a recent survey, the average daily spending of upper-income Americans amounted to 177 U.S. dollars (December 2014). I guess those holiday ads do pay off!

We do like buying things, but sometimes we like it a little too much. Credit problems, bankruptcies, and feelings of guilt aside, many spend a lot of time and money purchasing things that provide only a temporary feeling of satisfaction. Once the thrill of the hunt is over, and the sparkle fades, what are we left with?

Exactly. We are left with an empty, unfulfilled and disatisfied feeling deep inside. That is, until we go chasing after the next brightly, shining object, and repeat the cycle all over. This is what occurs when we chase things outside the will of Our Lord. We "chase after the wind," and are left feeling frustrated, and as if we just wasted a lot of time for nothing.

In 1 Timothy 6:17-18, the apostle Paul strongly advises Timothy (a young pastor in the Ephesian church who had been a help to Paul in his work) to "warn the rich of this world not to be proud or to trust in wealth that is easily lost." And, to "tell them to have faith in God, who is rich and blesses us with everything we need to enjoy life." 

Additionally, Paul urges Timothy to "instruct them to do as many good deeds as they can and to help everyone." Also, "remind the rich to be generous and share what they have." This is beautifully summed up in 1 Timothy 6:19 when Paul adds, "this will lay a solid foundation for the future, so that they will know what true life is like." 

The life that Paul is talking about here is not the life we know in this world, but eternal life spent with our Father. In a nutshell, Paul is explaining that instead of vainly "chasing the wind" for shallow, worldly possessions of self; we should use what we have to further His kingdom. That is, sharing our blessings and good fortune with those less fortunate.

At some point in time we will all leave this earth. All of our possessions will remain behind. The only thing of lasting value is what we do to help others while we are still here. A life lived in union with Christ creates things of true, lasting value. It's these things that survive our death.

Houses and cars can be repossessed. Bank accounts and investments can be wiped out. However, what we do for each other in love can never be taken away. What we do in Him is not lost if it's done in the Spirit of His Love.

Life is not meaningless if it's lived in the Spirit of Christ. By His Spirit we can help transform lives; as well as our own. The word of God promises us that our work won't be for naught. You and I are the seed of Our Lord. Therefore, what we do here will not go unnoticed; but will be remembered by Him eternally.

Scripture: Mark 10:21; Acts 20:35; Acts 20:35; Proverbs 3:27; Romans 15:1

Prayer: Dear Lord, direct me in Your ways and show me how to help others who need it. I thank You for all that You have provided me, and pray that I can demonstrate Your grace, mercy, and love towards others. Amen.

Have a blessed day!

Janyce