Life is but a sinuous path requiring focused navigation and a decided destination. It is certain that there will be hills and valleys, curves and twists, blind spots and bridges, and plenty of potholes to swerve around. But what is key in all of life’s required maneuvering is the ability to remain steadfast, full of hope, and conscious of how well we are “running” the course.
The Essence of Life
Socrates said, “The unconsidered life is not worth living.” What he meant by this was that a life lived without forethought or principle was a life vulnerable to chance and the influence and choices of others; having little value to the person living it. However, a life established with goals, integrity, and wisdom, with carefully made choices and direction is a life lived to the fullest extent possible.
Scripture tells us that we are to “Lay aside (or throw off) everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles (complicates). And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” (Hebrews 12:1)
When was the last time you considered your life?
So, when was the last time you considered your life? How well are you doing at living life well? So often we miss out on what the essence of life truly is or should be about. By cluttering our lives with meaningless things of frivolity; both materially and in our use of time, our higher calling becomes all but forgotten. But we have been charged with an eternal goal, one that is made possible and actualized by our decision for Christ. Staying focused on that goal should
predicate our actions and behaviors, realizing we are or should be people of service and influence.
(Philippians 3:14 says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”)
You are not alone on this journey
As Hebrews reminds us, we are surrounded by “a great cloud of witnesses” and our acts of kindness and service, along with our Godly example and integrity makes Christ intrinsically attractive to others. We are not on this journey alone. We are to be about changing the world and loving those that Christ gave His life for, impacting eternity along the way. After all, it is not about us!
Galatians 2:20 tells us, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
It is all about Him! We cannot allow the misadventures of life, or the circumstances surrounding them to sway us from being resolute in our faith walk and purpose.
It is all about Him
Take a look at what Philippians 1:20-21 says, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have complete boldness, so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So, what shall I choose? I do not know… (Berean Bible Translation)
Oh, that we would live in such a way that we would not be ashamed of the effectiveness of our witness and testimony. Despite the storms of life our foundation of faith will enable us to stand in strength able to persevere until the end!
Beacons of hope and light
We are beacons of hope and light for those around us who are lost when the journey of life becomes challenging. At times, there may be someone who crosses our path who may feel like they are barely hanging on for dear life. Their
dreams may have grown cold and their relationships icy. They may not be able to navigate to safety on their own, their path unclear needing guidance and reassurance for their journey. And, that is when God sends us to be for them to be beacons of hope and light.
What is most important in life? Are you doing life in such a way that others are being guided by your witness? Are you serving others in an effort to win them for the cause of Christ? Let the words of our testimony, and the effectiveness of our service bring others to know Him!
Consider this, What are you living for?
Every day She Rises to acknowledge the answer to that question; and every day that is the essence of her life! Amen!
Read also: What is your focus on?
