Tag: Happiness

Searches that might use fulfillment, joy, contentment, direction, hope or peace as descriptors.

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One Person Can Make a Difference.

No Act of Kindness is Wasted
No Act of Kindness is Wasted

One Person can make a difference. I know many of us don’t believe it can be us. We believe we have an impact on our families and friends, but that is not a real difference in the world. It seems like one more drop of water in the ocean, one more grain of sand on the beach.

Matthew 17:20, “He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

The Star Thrower

The 1969 essay by Loren Eiseley entitled “The Star Thrower” described a man who didn’t look at the totality of his effort but the importance of making an effort. A concluding statement says, “ Only then have I allowed myself to think. He is not alone any longer. After us, there will be others.” What gives me hope is not that I would change the world, but maybe, through my actions, there may be others who can and will.

There are people like Micheal J. Fox who have raised billions for Parkinson’s research. Jane Kristen Marczewski (Nightbirde) used her short-lived fame from AGT to proclaim that we all have a loving God, even in bad times. These are contemporaries who used their circumstances to change the world. They exposed people to needs and provided hope. But most of us don’t have that stage. Our sphere of influence is small; our accomplishments are mundane.

After Us Will Be Others

Eiseley’s “After Us, There Will Be Others” should be our rallying cry. Helping one person a day, week, or month might catalyze world change. Even in our suffering, we can provide hope. There is not even one of us that will not leave a legacy. The question is, what will that legacy be? God has given us everything to stimulate the “Butterfly Effect” for eternity. We can set in motion the dominoes that create change for generations to come. It is our actions that save a life for eternity. It is not the totality of our effort but the importance of making an effort. We don’t know what God has in store.

1 Corinthians 2:9, “However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him.”

If you spend the rest of your life impacting just one Person for Christ, you may save millions. That Person may save two, and those two each save three. This ripple effect continues until Christ returns, potentially saving millions. One Person can make a difference.

We Each Have a Story

We each have a story. Our lives ebb and flow with the effects of a fallen world. Unfortunately for the teller but exuberant to the listener, great stories start with great tragedy. The definition of a great tragedy is different for different people. As North Americans, we do not see a tragedy like South Americans might. Many people live everyday lives that I find hard to comprehend.

Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

But all these stories must be lived and told. The overcoming must be passed down from generation to generation so that others might have hope. The overcoming, Christ’s intimate intersection with our lives, must be kept alive. When we see the tragedy as tragedy, we lose sight of God’s great plan for our lives. We come alive when we see tragedy as the genesis of a great story of salvation and redemption.

James 3:4, “Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.”

The tragedy is a tragedy, deep, dark, and depressing. But the outcome, the final scene, does not have to be. It can end as one of the greatest stories ever told, and that story can change the world.

One Person Can Make a Difference

One Person can make a difference in the life of another. God planned it that way. Have hope. Seek compassion, love, and grace from the creator of the universe, and he will give you a mighty story that will comfort listeners long after your passing.

Matthew 25:21, “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’”

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Peter Pan

Key to GreatnessPeter Pan said, “You can have anything in life if you sacrifice everything else for it.”

Peter wasn’t wrong. Paul put it a little differently.

Philippians 3:7, “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.”

Chasing the Fog

Accomplishments: many people, men, more likely, have sacrificed everything else to gain power, privilege, wealth, or fame. The worldly trappings and the expectations of others drove their view of self-worth; they believed Peter Pan before they believed Paul. They thought the uneasiness they felt was due to not having enough. It was just the next thing that would make a difference. Many would look back on their lives and see they had sacrificed everything in vain.

“Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline.”—Jim Collins

I don’t want to be that man. I want my life to count for something. I want to leave a legacy that will echo through eternity. In my death, I want to be bigger than life itself.

Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal.”

Gravitational Pull of the World

The world pulls at us with the gravitational pull of the Sun. It wants to keep us in its orbit of mundane, meaningless accomplishments. Eventually, our orbit will decay, and we will find nothing but a fiery finish. When time has run out, we realize that all we have accumulated will be forgotten or exploited by others we have never met. We cannot reach back for a do-over. The do-over starts now.

Ecclesiastes 5:15, “Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb, and as everyone comes, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands.”

Joy is a choice, and God wants us to choose joy, but happiness is also part of God’s plan. Not perpetual happiness with laughs and birthday cake, but true deep-down happiness that grows from the soul. The type of happiness that brings tranquil sleep. It is a happiness that radiates throughout your body in quiet moments of reflection. It is a contentment that nothing else can give.

Never is a Long Time

Peter Pan also said, “Never is an awfully long time.” To never experience the pure love of Christ is indeed a long time. It makes life a marathon in Death Valley rather than a walk in the park. To always have to trust in yourself is exhausting. To always have to know the answers, have a plan, and make a move is to live a life full of anxiety and worry.

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Seeking His kingdom and righteousness is not just putting your sights on eternity with Christ; it is to live a life worth living here on Earth. It is to free yourself from chasing the esteem of others and only pursuing God. It is about having faith, knowing that Christ is with you, and knowing your needs will be met. There will be setbacks and challenges, but you are not alone. You do not have to create the person that God wants you to be; God already created them; you must find them within yourself.

“People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.”—Edmund Hillary

Peter Pan, “To have faith is to have wings.”

Peter Pan wasn’t all wrong, but I’ll take Paul.

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The Need to Love and Be Loved

"To be loved is the fire that keeps us warm through the coldest winter nights."The need to love and be loved is one of the most decisive impulses created in us at birth. 1 Corinthians 13 is one of the Bible’s most significant chapters ever written on this subject.

1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Love

This chapter captures the essence of our shared human experience: the deep and universal longing to love and be loved. At the heart of so many of our struggles lies this profound truth. Reflecting on my frailties, I see a common thread—either I haven’t loved enough or felt unloved. Our ego, insecurities, self-esteem, and self-image are all rooted in one pivotal question: How do we perceive the love in our lives?

John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

I yearn for that kind of love. A love so boundless that I would give my life for it. A love that surrounds, protects, fulfills, and sustains me. I want it to consume me—to be overwhelming, awe-inspiring, even terrifying in its power. I want it to be extraordinary. And I long for it because that is how God created us to be: vessels for this incredible, life-altering love.

 Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul. – Augustine

He Loved First

1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.”

These seven simple words hold staggering power. God’s love is our foundation, yet I falter when faced with the messiness of human relationships. People are flawed—they say, think, and do things that can be hurtful. They don’t always love us in the way we desire or expect. But isn’t that how I am to God? Flawed, unpredictable, and imperfect—yet fully and unconditionally loved by Him.

Romans 8:38-39: “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This truth should anchor my heart. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Yet, why do I still wrestle with feelings of isolation or struggle to love others freely?

The answer lies in our broken world. We live in a fallen creation, surrounded by people who often don’t know Christ or understand the trustworthy source of love. The world distorts God’s perfect love into something transactional and shallow. It’s no wonder so many feel unfulfilled.

But even in my humanity, even when I feel unloved, the way forward is not to focus on the love I receive but on the love I give. I find joy when I love others—even those who do not reciprocate or deserve it. Through loving others, I feel the warmth of love in my heart.

2 Thessalonians 3:5: “May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.”

In loving others, I reflect on the very nature of God. Love isn’t easy, but it is always worth it. In giving love, we touch the divine and discover our true purpose.

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Is Adversity Part of God’s Plan for Your life

Adversity and FaithIs adversity part of God’s plan for your life? That is both a scary and humbling thought. First, I don’t believe God necessarily brings adversity upon us. It is not in His nature. But He does allow our actions and those inherent in a broken world to affect us adversely. I believe He allows this because we need direction and guidance that can not be achieved through prosperity. We will not modify our behavior if we do not see the natural outcome from behavior contrary to God’s teaching.

“Out of the cross comes the resurrection. Out of weakness comes real strength.” – Timothy Keller

Throughout my life, I have developed this philosophy: adversity is an opportunity to either become a victim of my circumstances or the author of a great story demonstrating the power of overcoming. In the middle of the fight, it is hard to see that there are two paths available to us. We can give in and give up, letting the tides of life wash us out to sea, or we can use this opportunity to grow stronger and be an example to others who might suffer the same fate.

Resilience in Hardship:

Several examples in the Bible show how God uses adversity to create greatness. Like Joseph, Moses, and Esther, challenges can be opportunities for preparation and transformation. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, perseverance and faith can lead to unexpected triumphs.

1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Whatever situation you are in, there is a way out. It may not be simple, quick, or painless, but it exists. God will not let you suffer beyond His ability to save you. Resilience and patience are the key.

Unlikely Heroes:

God often uses ordinary or overlooked individuals—like Esther, Ruth, and David—to accomplish extraordinary things. His use of ordinary people reminds us that everyone has value and the potential to make a significant impact, even in adversity.

God doesn’t create superheroes to show His compassion and grace. He uses everyday people like you and me.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29: “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are so that no one may boast before him.”

Never think you are not good enough to be a beacon of light. Don’t believe that you are not significant or worthy to be rescued. No matter your personal view of yourself, God cherishes your existence.

Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Divine Providence and Timing:

As seen in the stories of Esther and Joseph, timing plays a critical role. Difficult seasons often position people for opportunities they never anticipated, revealing a higher purpose at work. We cannot see the future, but we know that the future God has planned for us is more significant than we could envision. It does not seem that way when you are in the eye of a storm, but all storms run their course and come to an end.

We need to be resilient to withstand the storm. That resilience can not come from within us but from above us.

Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Courage to Act:

Like Esther’s bold decision to approach the king, overcoming fear and stepping out in faith can lead to remarkable outcomes, even in uncertain times.

Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Start creating your story of overcoming by believing you will overcome through God’s grace. With that conviction, start moving in that direction. Great stories require movement and stepping out in faith when the outcome is uncertain.

Psalm 144:1: “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”

Transformation Through Faith:

Faith in God can bring healing, growth, and redemption as demonstrated through Paul’s conversion or Job’s restoration.

Jeremiah 30:17: “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord.”

We live in a time-constrained, linear view of life. We see only what is in front of us, and we don’t see the ripple effect of every interaction. God does; He knows the future. We move forward through faith.

Joel 2:25-26: “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten. You will have plenty to eat until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you.”

God is in the business of restoring broken lives, healing wounded hearts, and redeeming what has been lost.

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Hope and Love in a Season of Grace

Proclaiming hope and love in a season of grace is one of our most critical missions as Christians. This Christmas season can be highly stressful for many people.

Luke 4:18-19: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, set free those oppressed, and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Urgency

These words carry a sense of urgency and purpose, a call to action that feels especially relevant in a year marked by chaos and challenges. Amid the dysfunction, God’s voice remains clear, challenging us to proclaim His favor and glory to all who cross our paths.

“Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and the love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God.” – George McDougall.

This season, my plea is simple yet profound: reach out to hurting people. Extend not empty platitudes but genuine love. Quiet desperation is a silent killer, an emotion that suffocates the soul.

As we enter this season of celebration, I urge you to reach out to hurting people and offer them a lifeline. Don’t aim to cheer them up or solve their problems—love them. Many people battle quiet desperation, a stifling emotion that isolates and burdens. While we are not the ultimate solution, God can work through us to bring light to their darkness.

Fortune

For those fortunate enough to recognize God’s blessings, this season is a time to reflect with gratitude.

Psalm 100:4-5: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good, and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

We celebrate relationships, opportunities, and the hope of a brighter future, grounded in the knowledge that God has given us the choice to embrace hope in this moment.

But not everyone experiences this season with such gratitude. For some, the holidays are a stark reminder of what they lack. Broken relationships cast long shadows, opportunities feel distant, and the future appears uncertain. Their thoughts swirl with regret over what might have been, and their hearts grow heavy with grief. Life for them is not a glass half empty; it’s a glass that feels too small to hold anything at all.

Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

These words remind us of God’s nearness to those in despair and call us to embody His compassion by extending love and hope.

Seasons of Darkness

Having faced my seasons of darkness, I know the despair that can rob a person of hope. For some, Christmas is not a celebration but an escape—a time to forget pain rather than reflect on joy. The light others see as hope can feel like the oncoming glare of despair. For those without Christ, peace feels unattainable, and the promise of salvation seems like a distant dream. I have been there, praying for the pain to end, longing for peace that seemed out of reach. Yet, peace without Christ is an illusion, and our true destination without Him is one we dare not desire.

Matthew 25:45: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

Celebrate

This Christmas, I urge you to invest in someone else’s life. Don’t try to fix their problems; instead, be a source of hope. Walk alongside them in their journey. Let them see God’s love through your actions and presence.

Be the one who brings light to another’s darkness, the one God rejoices over. This season, choose love, hope, and be a vessel of God’s grace to those who need it most.

May His love be poured out upon you, and may you be filled with His love this Christmas. May the true meaning of Christmas bring you great joy, peace, comfort, and many other blessings.

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Right Where God Meant You to Be

You are right where God meant you to be. In darker moments, that is hard to comprehend; in lighter moments, we forget it is not serendipitous.  

Ephesians 2:7: “Now God has us where He wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus.”

Wherever You Are Intended

 Wherever you are today—whether it feels like a mountaintop of joy or a valley of uncertainty—remember this: God circled this spot on the map for you. The 12th-century Persian poet Hafiz foretold this: “The place you are right now, God circled on the map for you.”

Where does this season find you? Are you surrounded by family and friends, basking in love and warmth? Or are you navigating unexpected detours far from where you hoped to be? Life has twists and turns, but moments are filled with purpose wherever you stand today.

Ephesians 1:3-10, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”

This passage reassures us that before the foundation of the world, God chose us and poured out every spiritual blessing in Christ. He has a plan, even when life feels chaotic or off-course. There is no perfect job, relationship, or life—only perfect moments. Don’t miss them by chasing what isn’t meant to be. Instead, lean into the now, trusting the Author of your story.

You Are Meant to Greatness

Consider Paul, stranded in Malta; Esther, serving a pagan king; Jonah, in the belly of a whale; and Joseph, betrayed by his family. Each one found themselves exactly where God had written them to be, their detours transforming into destiny. The shepherds meant to find the King of Kings in a palace but instead found Him in a humble stable. Your journey is no different with its peaks and valleys—it’s all part of God’s perfect design.

Romans 8:29: “For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.”

Every action, every step, is an opportunity to worship. Even in failure, there is glory. Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life is a powerful reminder. Though his earthly plans ended at the gallows, his unwavering faith became a testimony that lives on. What some might see as failure, God glorifies.

Becoming

Like Jonah’s journey through the deep or Moses’ exile to the wilderness, your path has meaning. It’s not about where you are but about who you are becoming. Will you worship in the waiting? Will you find joy in the journey, trusting that God works all things together for good?

Matthew 12:30: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

This moment—right here, right now—is your chance to praise the One who created you. Will you acknowledge His hand in your life, triumph, or trial? Let your worship shine, becoming a light for those around you.

Christmas

Every day is Christmas—it is meant to celebrate the love, hope, and redemption born through Christ. As 1 Peter 3:15 urges, always be ready to share the hope within you with gentleness and respect. Let today be a day of gratitude and worship, no matter where you are. This moment is not random; it’s a divine appointment.

Seize it.

1 Chronicles 16:23: “Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.”

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Trusting in God’s Plan

Trusting in God’s plan when the future is unknown and incredibly important, takes not just faith but courage. In the chaos of life, it’s easy to feel lost, like I’m stumbling around in the dark, searching for direction. The world constantly demands that I have everything figured out—my career, relationships, and future. I feel pressure to know what’s next and plan every step meticulously, and yet, the more I try to control things, the more uncertain I become. I wonder, am I truly following the right path or just wandering aimlessly, hoping for the best?

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

This verse speaks to me because it reminds me that my plans aren’t the end of the story—God’s plans are. But trusting Him is hard when the road ahead is muddled.

“The most important lesson I have learned is to trust God in every circumstance. Lots of times, we go through different trials, and following God’s plan seems like it doesn’t make any sense at all. God is always in control and will never leave us.” – Allyson Felix, Olympic champion and ten-time U.S. national champion

Hard to Move Forward

There are moments when I’ve tried to move forward, thinking I’m on the right track, only to be met with obstacles. These setbacks often feel like failures. I ask myself, “Did I misinterpret what God wanted for me? Did I miss a sign along the way?” It’s easy to get discouraged and doubt whether I can discern His will.

Isaiah 55:8-9, where God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”

His perspective is much broader than mine, and what feels like failure from my limited perspective may be part of a larger, divine plan. Perhaps the closed doors and disappointments are not rejections but redirections—God is steering me toward something better than I could have imagined.

Walking by faith

2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Walking by faith means moving forward even when I don’t have all the answers, trusting that God sees the bigger picture. It requires surrendering my need for control and admitting that I can’t always understand His timing or methods. But I find peace in those moments of letting go, knowing He guides me.

This surrender doesn’t mean that the journey will be easy. There will still be struggles, doubts, and lonely moments. But in those moments, I can rest in this truth.

Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Even when I can’t see it, God works for my good. His purpose for my life is far greater than the plans I’ve made for myself.

I’ve also learned that trusting God’s plan doesn’t mean I’m passive. It’s easy to think that faith is simply waiting for God to show up, but genuine faith is active. Genuine faith is about stepping out, even when unsure of the outcome. It’s about being diligent in prayer, seeking wise counsel, and being willing to follow wherever God leads, even into the unknown.

“There is a grand designer behind everything. God’s plan for your life is all that happens to you, including your mistakes, sins, and hurts.” – Rick Warren.

The more I walk this journey of faith, the more I realize that success isn’t about achieving worldly goals. True success is about faithfulness—being faithful in small things, daily tasks, and moments when it feels like nothing is happening.

Luke 16:10, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”

When I commit my efforts to the Lord, He blesses them in unexpected ways.

It Comes Down to Trust

Ultimately, it all comes down to trusting in God’s plan. I trust that God knows me better than I know myself and that He has a purpose for my life.  God’s plans are far better than anything I could ever design. It’s about learning to be content in the waiting, finding peace in the not-knowing, and surrendering my plans for His perfect will.

And even when the path ahead feels foggy, I cling to this promise:

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

It’s a future I may not fully see, but I can rest in that God is already there, leading the way. My job is to trust, obey, and walk forward by faith.

1 Corinthians 2:5, “so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”

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Purpose and Meaning, Aspiration, Not Occupation

Can we find true purpose and meaning through aspiration, not occupation? In today’s world, people often associate their identity with their careers or vocations, believing that their worth and purpose are tied to what they do for a living. However, Christianity offers a different perspective: true purpose and meaning come not from occupation but from godly aspiration—seeking to live out God’s calling and aligning our lives with His will.

“View yourself as a precious vessel He crafted for a unique purpose.” – Patricia Ennis.

The Power of Aspiration

In Christianity, aspiration is about more than personal dreams or ambitions. It reflects a desire to glorify God and live according to His purposes. When we aspire to love, serve, and reflect Christ’s character, we tap into something far more significant than worldly success. This change in thinking can take many forms: fostering compassion, spreading the Gospel, advocating for justice, or cultivating spiritual growth. These aspirations serve others and bring us closer to God, aligning our hearts with His divine plan.

Isaiah 43:7, “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

Occupation vs. Aspiration

“What you are is God’s gift to you; what you become is your gift to God.” – Hans Urs von Balthasar.

While jobs provide necessary structure and support, they do not define us in God’s eyes. Many people feel unfulfilled in careers that do not align with their faith or deeper values. This discontent stems from the realization that work alone cannot fulfill the soul’s longing for meaning. The Bible reminds us that whatever we do, we should do it as unto the Lord.

Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people.”

Whether we are teachers, office workers, or stay-at-home parents, it’s not the job itself that gives meaning but how we use it to serve God’s purposes.

The Transformative Journey

“You were made by God and for God. And until you understand that, life will never make sense.” – Rick Warren

Even mundane tasks take on new significance when we focus on godly aspirations. Teachers may see their role as educating and shaping young minds for Christ. An office worker might find purpose in being a beacon of integrity and kindness in their workplace. By centering our lives on Christ and aspiring to live out His love in every action, our daily experiences become opportunities to witness and serve.

2 Timothy 1:9, “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.”

Cultivating Aspiration

“Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

To embrace this Christian view of aspiration, we must seek God in prayer and reflection, asking Him to reveal His plan for our lives. The Bible encourages us to set our hearts on things above, not earthly matters.

Colossians 3:2, “Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth.”

We discover our true purpose by nurturing aspirations that align with God’s will—loving our neighbors, spreading the Good News, and growing in faith. Surrounding ourselves with a faith community that encourages spiritual growth can help us stay focused on what matters eternally rather than temporally.

Conclusion

In the Christian pursuit of purpose, it’s essential to remember that our worth is rooted in being children of God, not in our jobs or worldly achievements. When we nurture our aspirations following God’s will, we unlock a more profound sense of meaning that transcends occupation. This perspective enriches our lives and enables us to fulfill our higher calling—to serve God and impact the world for His glory. Embrace your aspirations in Christ, for they are the accurate compass guiding you toward a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

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The Scene of the Crime is in Your Mind

Mind in BondageThe scene of the crime is in your mind. What misdeed we discuss doesn’t matter; human behavior starts with a thought. Given the fertilizer of attention, that thought grows into a preoccupation, which in turn bears fruit.

Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

“By the Grace of God, we are highly favored. His Grace is bigger than what our minds can ever comprehend.” – Gift Gugu Mona, Daily Quotes about God: 365 Days of Heavenly Inspiration

Behavior

Behavior is an intricate reflection of the mind’s inner workings; every action we take, whether consciously or unconsciously, originates in the vast landscape of thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that reside within us. In this sense, the “scene of the crime”—whether noble or destructive—occurs in the mind long before it manifests outwardly.

Proverbs 16:9, “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Our thoughts act as the architects of behavior. A single thought, however fleeting, can lead to a cascade of actions that ripple through our lives. When negativity takes root, it can distort our perceptions, fostering actions we may later regret.

Romans 12:16, “Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.”

But the mind is also the birthplace of acts of kindness, empathy, and courage, beginning with recognizing that God first loved us. When we choose to foster thoughts of compassion, we align our actions with values first demonstrated by Christ.

The mind is the battlefield where good and evil forces wage war. To change our behavior, we must first build a fortress of sound theology. Upon this foundation, we can build on the hope and joy God has promised us.

The Mind Battle

The human mind is a complex and mysterious place where the forces of good and evil clash daily. This internal struggle is universal, transcending culture, time, and place. It is the essence of what it means to be human, and it often defines the choices we make and the paths we walk in life.

Philippians 2:2, “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

Good and evil are forces that are not external agents acting upon us but internal impulses that we navigate within ourselves. They are the by-product of a fallen world. Every thought, emotion, and decision is part of this ongoing battle. On one side, spiritual qualities such as kindness, empathy, compassion, and honesty are the fruits of goodness. It is that which we do to glorify Christ.

Conversely, evil manifests as selfishness, anger, greed, and deceit. It is an action opposed to Christ. It tempts us to act in ways that harm others or serve only our immediate desires.

This battle is not always clear-cut. The mind is a place of nuance, and good and evil often intermingle in complex ways. Satan is the master of the half-truth. Positive behavior centered around selfishness is more harmful than painful actions done with compassion.

Mind Over Matter

At the heart of this battle is the concept of choice. We are powerless in and of ourselves to conquer evil. It is only Christ that can give us this power. Our thoughts and actions shape our daily choices—whether to react with patience or anger, help someone in need, or turn away. This constant decision-making must be grounded in scripture.

Romans 15:6, “So that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ultimately, the struggle between good and evil is not about achieving perfection but striving to be more like Jesus. It reminds us that we are responsible for our actions; despite the challenges, we have the power, through Christ, to choose the light over the darkness.

Thus, the saying holds: crime and redemption begin in the mind.

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

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Love Without Words

Acts of Kindness

Love without words is the most challenging love of all; It requires the person expressing their love to understand the recipient’s love language and to take physical action. “I love You” is easy to say even when you don’t mean it. It is difficult when it connotates weakness or vulnerability. Determining what a person needs to feel loved requires attention to detail. Showing love without words isn’t about saying what you think is loving, but doing what they need to feel loved. To do that, you must take the time to understand and care.

1 John 3:18, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

Words and Speech

“Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning.” – Frederick W. Faber.

Kind words do heal. They bring peace to the weary. Kind words should never be used sparingly. They are the suave to the wounds of life. We should always try to communicate with love and compassion. The world is full of trouble; we should not add to it.

Proverbs 16:24, “Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”

But it is easy for Christians to talk. We placate people with words, quote scripture, and offer prayers. Prayer is always good and should precede every action, but it is not enough. Scripture is fundamental to understanding what God wants us to do, but it is not the doing.

The use of words when action is needed paints Christianity as hypocritical. Jesus modeled what He taught. He demonstrated what He said through His actions. We need to be doers of the word, not just sayers.

James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

What would it be like to sit quietly listening, then wordlessly act, meeting a need without being asked or receiving praise? When all you do is give advice, console, be empathetic, and then move on with your life, you have done more harm than good. You have provided evidence of your shallowness and the shallowness of being Christian, harming the one you speak to, and grieving the Holy Spirit.

Titus 1:16, “They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.”

Action and Deeds

2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”

For what they have done, an action word. It does not say we will receive judgment for everything we say, but what we have done. I would argue that saying without doing it sometimes does great harm.

James 2:17, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Faith without works is dead. That is not hard to understand. One of the most rewarding things a Christian can do is to help someone in need without being asked. The joy of seeing a need and then using the resources God has put at your disposal to meet that need is overwhelming. To do it anonymously, praising God for the opportunity, is even better. God loves that we acknowledge that He, and He alone, makes it possible. He loves that we act according to the gospel, redistributing His resources. There will always be an opportunity to witness to that person after their need is met. But meeting their need opens the door to that conversation.

James 2:26, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”

Random Acts of Kindness

When a stranger walks into someone’s life without provocation and does something to help, it leaves an indelible mark. People will not remember what was said, but they will remember the act of a stranger. Giving generously of your time is more extravagant than giving generously of your money.

Plan “random” acts of kindness that embed a gospel presentation.

Train yourself to be ready to give, serve, show love, and act in every season or circumstance.

Become the sort of person for whom Jesus-like acts of kindness become natural.

Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Randon Acts:

      •  Mail a gift card to someone going through a rough season (not text or email)
      •  Mow your neighbor’s lawn
      •  Rake your neighbor’s leaves
      •  Shovel your neighbor’s driveway and/or walkway
      •  Weed your neighbor’s flower garden
      •  Take out your neighbor’s bins on trash day
      •  Leave an encouraging note on a car windshield in the parking lot
      •  Offer to babysit so a couple you know can have a date night
      •  Offer to babysit the kids of a single mom so she can go shopping or have a few hours to herself (make this a regular thing!)
      •  Mentor a young adult.
      •  Offer a free class to kids (or beginner-level adults) on a topic in which you are skilled or knowledgeable: crochet, history, meal planning, budgeting, soccer, art, photography, woodworking, car maintenance, etc.
      •  Help someone move
      •  Talk to someone on the street. Buy them a meal, hang out with them, give them a hug or an affirming touch.
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