Try this: ask yourself what is something that just cannot be bought. You might argue just about anything from a new lease on life to a sworn secret; but given the right amount of technology, resources or motivation, in one way or another, everything has a price. And, aside from the promise of eternity in heaven through Jesus, where the ultimate price was paid and now can only be attained as a free gift, you might wonder if there’s really anything out there that you can’t put a price on.
Well, let me run this past you; an honest reputation. You mess up once, and the trust is put in doubt. Leaders of administrations, the media, professional services, business deals, relationships; you burn me once, I will doubt you the next time. In fact, without some history to prove it, a well-meaning “trust me” can be a tough sell; it has to be earned. A spoken word is a basis for the measure of a person; a gauge of trust, integrity and honor. Tragically, years from now, an analysis of the great nations that had enormous impact on the history of the world will very likely include the United States of America where integrity, a constitutional foundation built on Christian principles and self-sacfrifice for the greater good was replaced with normalizing self-importance, short-sighted satisfaction and questionable moral behavior. It’s more common to avoid taking ownership for our actions and rationalize with a “no harm, no foul”.
Don’t be that guy.
So, as we blast off into a new year and the challenge of remembering to write 2023 on all your forms and documents, what will you do this year that promotes a Christian worldview and an example of unquestionable character? Show a willingness to be available, to say what you mean and mean what you say. Remember, this journey we’re on isn’t an assignment to just sit in church on Sundays. And when we get frustrated because our expectations are not being met, try a little self-diagnosis; are those expectations on the same page with the mission set before us? Personal goals are necessary; but you might as well ditch the unrealistic New Year resolutions. Bring your best at what you do; but avoid the trap of self-importance. Give and show empathy when you can; but not for the recognition. Our Heavenly Father has allotted each of us a measure of talent and ability to use in our service to Him which in turn helps us grow in the faith. But here’s the reality check: no amount of cleverness and personal gain to achieve some level of status or satisfaction will make you any better than the next person; because in the end, all those things mean nothing when it’s your time to go.
Make this the year. As you seek to find balance in life’s imperfect harmony, rise above the noise of social chatter, political correctness and hollow good intentions. The strength that comes with self-control and the confidence that comes through faith is contagious; feel free to share often. Much of higher education teaches of a new set of standards and a progressive and enlightened sophistication but believers still represent the very thing that those scholars foolishly ignore. You could think of this life as our Creator’s classroom and the critical practice for your final exam, because none of us will be getting a pass on these two questions; “What did you do with the life I gave you?” and “What did you do with My son Jesus?”
Blessings to you and your family for a happy New Year.
“Three-minute exposure; a snapshot of life’s imperfect harmony,” by Stew McAuley.
Encouraging your Christian Worldview.
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