Q. The many problems in our world today have made me rethink my priorities
in life. I’m upset by the world
situation and the materialism and lack of faith today. As a Christian I want to
make some changes in my life to make a difference in our world. How can one
person change the world for the better?
A.
Christmas is a good time to think about how we can make “peace on earth good will
to men” real in our lives. We may want to reorder our priorities and think
about our purpose in life. Are we living
up to the best that we know? Are we putting first things first? Scripture speaks in ways that are contrary to
the voices of our culture. To reorder your priorities and know your purpose in
life, consider the following:
1. Is the
pursuit of material possessions a major goal in my life? We live in a culture
that encourages and provides abundance. We need to feed and clothe our families
but does our pursuit of money and things squeeze out time to be with our loved
ones, time to help others, and willingness to contribute to charities? Scripture
says “No one can serve God and money.”
Matt. 6:24
2. Do I
seek personal comfort and an easy life? Do I spend too much time in my
recliner, too much time in front of the TV and little or no time helping
others? Many organizations that serve the disadvantaged need volunteers.
Children need mentors, the elderly and sick are lonely and need visitors. We
can get out of our recliners and find a need and meet it. Our culture says,
“Relax, enjoy life.” Scripture says “Love
your neighbor.” Matt. 19:19
3. Am I
living a truthful life? Our culture tells us don’t get involved, don’t rock the
boat, ignore behavior that seems wrong. When we know about an abusive parent or
a drug addicted employee do we take the path of least resistance and say
nothing? Or do we take a risk and speak up? Do we “steal” supplies from our
place of work, rationalizing it because “everyone’s doing it?” Are we willing
to be truthful with ourselves and with others in a culture that tells us there
is no such thing as Truth? Scripture
says “The truth shall set you free.”
John 8:32
4. Do I guard my
mind? Our culture feeds us vulgarity,
violence, permissive sexuality, and negativity. The images we watch on TV and
in movies can accumulate like trash in our minds. We can be selective about
what we view and read. We can learn to reject unwanted thoughts; thoughts that
harm us and bring us down. Scripture says, “As
a man thinks in his heart so is he.” Proverbs 23:7
5. Do we have hearts
full of love? The world teaches us to pursue power and control. Power makes us feel strong. Control makes us
feel secure. But these are illusions. No one but God has absolute power or
absolute control. Power and control are cheap substitutes for love. Love puts
others needs ahead of self. Love is patient and kind. We need to let go of
anger, bitterness, grudges and resentments or we will not have love in our
hearts. Our culture says seek power and control. Scripture says “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving
each other, just as in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
NIV
Soren Kierkegaard
once said that life is like a large store window in which pranksters have
switched the price tags. The things of greatest value are priced as worthless
trinkets, while cheap trash is made to appear valuable. Bertrand Russell, an
atheist said, “Unless you assume a God, the question of purpose is
meaningless.” Seek God and you will find purpose and much more.
Examine your own
priorities through prayer, meditation, Bible study, and worship during this Holy
season. Peace on earth begins with change in one heart at a time.
“For everything, absolutely everything above and
below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels - everything
got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” Colossians 1:16
The Message
Blessings, Dottie
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