Ponder on these things…! The identity we have is … that thing which defines us. We shape our lives by the decisions we make but are influenced by things around us. We possess the ability to make choices that fashion and form the path we take on life’s journey.
In the Bible we read of numerous characters who led either triumphant lives or defeated lives. How do we know which is the right path for us? True, if you are born into a family and are part of a specific culture, there are unwritten rules and obligations that regulate your actions.
Right from the onset of time, we know that God gave the first man freedom of choice. Inadvertently, the choices we make determines the life we live!
Throughout history so many wars have been fought; most of them were religious ones. When you see religion as a man-made construct, you see the covert agenda; to suppress and dominate. The priests and scribes were so obsessed with religious practices that it was the end all and be all. Even in the Lord Jesus’s time, the Pharisees and Sadducees diametrically opposed Him, based on religious sanctification rituals. Their religiosity blinded them to the reality of His message of love and reconciliation.
Christ Jesus came to restore relationship with man and God (John 12:46). By following the example of how Jesus lived, we can live a life that is in right relationship with God. When He ascended to heaven, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into living righteous lives (John 15:26).
We may not be able to control all factors in our lives, like our birth and cultural identity, but we can tap into the source greater than ourselves to lead and guide us into living a productive and pleasing life.
History informs us of the past and gives us lessons for the future. When we look at Biblical characters, we see themes of pride and humbleness recurring. Samson was a mighty warrior who defeated his enemies singlehandedly, but conceit and disobedience led to his demise. The same was true of King Saul and many kings who were arrogant and filled with pride.
Oftentimes, people who put the welfare of others before themselves like Queen Esther and Ruth, were rewarded beyond their expectations. Interestingly, of the 40 kings who ruled in Old Testament times, only eight were good. They were obedient to God and did what was right and pleasing in His sight. As a result, their kingdom prospered and their people lived in peace.
When we give allegiance to God as the starting point of our lives, we have right standing relationships with others and our lives become fruitful and blessed. This is a simple truth that has stood the test of time. Yet, in all its simplicity, many people do not grasp it. They think they are the captain of their own ship, forgetting who it is that gives wind to their sails. Is this not the height of pride and self-centredness?
What type of life are you living – self centred or God centred? ◊
Linda Pearl
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