One of my greatest struggles is to be me. To be everything that God has created me to be; no ifs ands or buts. Today the world gives us so many pictures of a successful life, a perfect figure, the best foods, the finest car, or the job that “millions would kill for”. Do you get the picture of my dilemma?
Me…being a minister of God, wife, mother, and grandmother…mentor, coach, friend…who has time to compete with the world. But I find myself inching toward what the world calls the “good life”.
I remind myself often that there is no other life than the life that God has given me. Be it humble or abounding, it is my life. I have a responsibility to uphold what God has entrusted to me, and to bring to him an expected return of Glory for his investment.
Notice I speak in first person; because I know enough of my own weaknesses not to judge another unrighteously. We judge in love; realizing our own short comings, we are able to see clearly to offer solutions and hope to those who need it so desperately.
Now don’t get me wrong, I do have a responsibility to act against sin. But not pour salt on a wound, bring more pain and resistance; but with the balm of love and peace to bring recovery and healing to a lost soul.
I’m reminded of the story of a young man who left his father’s home with his possessions to strike out on his own. The first few years were great. He lived it up. The best clothes, the best foods, the best women, the bling bling, and all that money could buy. Keeping up with the Jones’. The Good Life. But one day something unexpected happened. The market crashed, and everything he had was gone in an instant.
You know the story; it’s found in Luke 15:11-32. But look at the statement in Luke 15:17 “And he came to himself…” Wow! I believe this is the most powerful statement of this story. It is the pivotal point of this young man’s life. As Oprah would say, it was his “ah ha” moment. He remembered. He remembered who he was, what he has, and what God had invested in him. The good God life. He returned home to the loving arms of a father who received him. He didn’t judge him. But openly welcomed him back into the fold. He even threw a big party. Now that’s the kind of celebration I’d like to receive every time I mess up. And I do. Heaven celebrates every time a “son” repents and returns home.
This young man had a life tailor made just for him. But he had to experience life’s al carte of mishaps before he remembered just who he was.
Have you thought about your life today? You ARE very special. Your life was a predestined plan of God. So it is a Good Life!
Remember, there nothing wrong with living the good life; but it’s so much sweeter with the God life!
Be Blessed! Shalom.
Posted By: Lisa Henderson
Friday, June 5th 2009 at 7:18PM
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