Rev. Richard Smith
| Joshua 24:15 But, as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. |
Watching TV recently, I heard a major credit card’s theme as “don’t live life without it.” This phrase was voiced amidst scenes of exotic vacationing by a family. In other words, use the right credit card as you experience scenes and settings only a few get the chance to experience.
Now, we all need vacations and we all deserve now and then some really special apart time.
But, quite honestly, I found myself gritting my teeth (figuratively) as I internally challenged that mantra as what we want people to hear and believe. I understand that there are many who have no problem with that perspective, but I would hope people of the Christian faith would strive for something deeper; something more fitting to the life and call of Jesus.
Yes, “don’t live life without” some things…
- Without having consistently tried to help someone else have happier life moments;
- Without recognizing that there is so much in each of our lives which we don’t deserve and for which we need to be humbly grateful;
- Without understanding that moral character is a contribution we can make for the good of our communities;
- Without embracing generosity as a key pathway to real joy;
- Without routinely looking within ourselves as to trait and practices we might need amend;
- Without stopping to smell the roses and give thanks for all that is wondrous and amazing;
- Without giving God deep thanks for the gift of grace amidst our shortcomings;
- Without affirming our dependency on others whose love and support empower us along life’s journey;
- Without knowing that we don’t have all the answers and that we thus need to listen to others;
- Without pausing to discern the ways God wants to use us in daily life.
Now, quite honestly, we could and perhaps should review each of these tenets on a consistent basis so that they are more than nice life tidbits, but anchor points for faithful God-centered living.
Which insights are most needful in your life? And in mine?
How will each of us grow and progress toward being who God wants and needs us to be?
