Hebrews 12:2a. Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith;
And is it ever a lazy day Saturday my friends! I actually went to bed early and got up early, obviously by my standards, (smile) did a few things, then went back to enjoy some lazy time in my bed. Now isn’t that the way to spend a Saturday morning? It surely is! But as always, reality eventually sticks its unwelcome head in and makes you realize that time’s a passing and there are things to be done, like the Bit.
So, here I am finally, at minutes to ten, on this sunshiny but rather chilly Saturday morning, looking at the quotes our friend Anselm sent us this past week, as he aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow, considering what to write about them. But I’m not worried, because I know, with the Lord’s help, I’ll eventually write something worthwhile. (smile).
And I guess we’ll begin with the shortest and simplest quote: ‘You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.’ And that’s the gospel truth my people! In the first place, while there’s God’s breath of life flowing through your body, you should never stop doing, stop learning or growing, because when you stop, then your life technically stops too, for being inactive causes spiritual death, and ofttimes even physical death too. Just look at those people who retire and simply become sedentary after a half century of being busy. Their bodies soon atrophy and they die from lack of activity.
And thankfully, regardless of your age or mobility, in this modern world of so many conveniences and amenities, there’s always something constructive you can find to do, something that can keep you physically and spiritually active. So there’s absolutely no need to ever stop dreaming or goal setting. You just have to be realistic and find a dream or set a goal that you are still capable of reaching.
And I believe that leads us nicely into this next quote. ‘For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.’ Now that statement is also full of truth. It’s not always about an end or a goal, but more often about the learning and the growing, of improving oneself, the joy of being on the journey. You know when you set out on some trip, physical or mental, by whatever means, you never think so much of the end point, your destination, but more of enjoying the time in between, the time it takes to get there.
And that’s what life is all about, a journey, a journey preferably with Christ Jesus as your Instructor and Guide. For He personally knows all the ups and downs of life, the good and exciting places to visit, as well as the bad ones, because He’s been through it all already. As the Good Book so rightly advises: ‘Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Heb. 12:2)
Yes friends, Christ Jesus has already blazed the trail and finished the course so that we can have fairly smooth sailing with Him as our Leader and Guide. He knows all the ins and outs of the journey of life, having researched and experienced them to the max. And as the Good Book further explains: ‘Seeing that we have a great high priest, that is passed into (through) the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession (confession of faith). For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched (sympathize) with the feeling of our infirmities (our weaknesses); but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.’ (Heb.4:14:15)
What a marvellous Lord and Saviour we have my faithful brethren! He knows our weaknesses and can understand what we go through from day to day, because He also experienced the rough and tough times of human life down here on earth. The only difference is that He did not sin. That doesn’t mean He didn’t feel temptation, for He surely did, as you can read in the Good Book, where the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness after His baptism so that the devil could tempt him, and He could walk out of there, the victor in that early battle of their ongoing deadly war. (Matt. 4:1-17)
So, whatever our eternal destination, we know that the journey through this earthly life will be tough, but if we’re walking with Jesus, we also know that even in those rough and tumble times, He’ll take us on an interesting journey, because that’s His promise. ‘I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10b)
And that segues rather nicely into our next quote. ‘People tell you the world looks a certain way. Parents tell you how to think. Schools tell you how to think. TV. Religion. And then at a certain point, if you’re lucky, you realize you can make up your own mind. Nobody sets the rules but you. You can design your own life.’
Oh my people, the hullabaloo in our world today is so great that the noise level is maddening! There are so many voices in our heads nowadays, telling us what is good from bad, how to live, how to think, what to eat and wear, etc. etc. that if you’re not careful, it can drive you crazy. That’s why the stress level today is so high and such a big money maker, as well as the current number one killer of the brethren. All of a sudden, our world has gone mad with mountains of advice and supposed truth, most of which however are totally fraudulent.
And when, by hard experience you discover the fraud, and realize that you can do your own thing, you still need good guidance and advice to navigate the treacherous waters of life on your own. But thankfully, there’s still one place you can find some peace, truth and wise advice. That’s in Jesus Christ; as a believer and follower of His. He is the ONLY One who can successfully lead us through this myriad of highways and byways, of dark alleys and narrow lanes, the confusing maze, we term life, and then bring us to that amazing and wonderful destination called heaven!
So, the wise word is to tune out all the voices that are continually fighting to be heard, and it’s not that easy to do, but when you tune into Jesus, He helps you to do just that, and then leads you on an amazing journey, filled with ups and downs, but He never leaves you to face them alone. That’s why this last quote is oh so important. ‘At the end of the day, whether or not those people are comfortable with how you’re living your life doesn’t matter. What matters is whether you’re comfortable with it.’
Now that’s true to a certain extent. We must be comfortable with the lives we’re living, or otherwise what’s the purpose of living it. But then too, in the context that there are basically only two options of living this life, for Jesus, or for Satan, then we need to make a choice as to which one to be comfortable in. And as we all know, the wise money is on Jesus, for He’s already defeated Satan in the battle for overall supremacy, by taking away the keys of hell, death and the grave, Satan’s territory, through His own death and resurrection. So why live for Satan then eh, when Jesus is the victor, when it’s all over bar the shouting! Much LOVE!
…life is certainly turbulent and tumultuous…but with Jesus as our knowledgeable pilot…we can navigate it all with peace, joy and LOVE…
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