We are not born possessing a deep purpose and meaning to our lives. Meaning and purpose is what you have to develop as you go along in life. Each person is faced with reality: will I find meaning in life that makes it worthwhile to get out of bed each morning?
With the legalization in Canada of Medically assisted death in 2016, we are learning of many people who are choosing the option of ending their life. This is another form of suicide. But if you listen to the reasons that people are giving you will see that most often it is due to loneliness and the collapse of any meaning to their life.
Here is where we must ask, “what makes life meaningful? What is giving you energy to live through this day with purpose?
In a society of unbelievable consumption, thoughtful people are asking us to take a second look at all our possessions and material goods. We are asked to open our clothes closet, count all the tops and shirts, plus all the shoes, underwear and accessories and ask ourselves: Now, which piece of clothing actually brings us happiness? Which pair of shoes gives us energy to want to continue living for another day?
Is there anything in this clothes closet, or in our computer works that actually brings us happiness? Of all the things that we have worked so hard to accumulate and possess, what is really worthwhile to our life? Or is this just so much ‘stuff?’
This culture is suffering from too much ‘religion’. It has been around so long that it has lost its punch. The value that religion gives to our individual lives is just not working. People are very content just to be their good selves. Who needs to practice a religious faith life?
It is no longer sufficient to say that ‘I believe in God.’
Turn this around. It is not what we believe that is first and foremost in this argument. It is God’s belief in us. God is the center of attention and action here. We respond to God and not God responds to us! Humans are not the center of meaning in the cosmos.
The first absolute demand that God makes on us is that everything is here for a purpose. We humans may not recognize the purpose, but that is our problem! Every human life has value and meaning. Everyone is created, loved and cherished by God. Whether we are bright and strong or born with limitations; whether we are emotionally stable or struggle with severe addictions, we are of infinite value.
When some people put others down because they have limited mental or physical abilities, we know they are working against the plans of God. The way that God’s heart works is very challenging.
This is where we need to get in touch with the workings of God. Allow yourself to be open to the challenges of God. If God has chosen to make the life of another person worthwhile, who are we to denigrate that meaning that God has given to that particular life?
As we come so close to Christmas it is an excellent time to reflect on the meaning that God gives human life. God has become one of us, not to make us feel good, but to indicate how much God cares about human beings.
This is where everyone must work to discover the meaning that God has for their life. Trying to keep ourselves and our control at the center of our existence is not of the essence of human lfie. We are here (this time, this place) for a very definite reason: God’s reason!
May you continue to discover your true meaning this Christmas season.
No comments:
Post a Comment