Wow - even as a small child, I was troubled by the idea that I was supposed to live a good and righteous life so that I could go to heaven! Somehow, it just seemed too self serving. I have always thought that the Christian faith was suppose to make our present life more powerful and joyful.
Willard really nails it when he writes, "Does Jesus only enable me to "make the cut" when I die? Or to know what to protest, or how to vote or agitate and organize? It is good to know that when I die all will be well, but is there any good news for life? If I had to choose, I would rather have a car that runs than good insurance on one that doesn't. Can I not have both?"
My grandfather always told me that I did not need to be anyone other than who I was - using, enjoying, and sharing my unique talents and interests. Willard goes on to write that "the drive to significance is a simple extension of the creative impulse of God that gave us being. It is not filtered through self-consciousness any more than is our lunge to catch a package falling from someone's hand. It is outwardly directed to the good to be done. We were built to count, as water is made to run downhill. We are placed in a specific context to count in ways no one else does. That is our destiny."
I find this message not only uplifting but a reminder to live life to the fullest - loving those who fall within my particular "kingdom" while I continue to practice and enjoy my own unique gifts. Thank you (to all of you) for being part of my life and sharing your gifts with me.
A forum for sharing and discussions in support of our individual faith journeys.
1 comment:
This is similar to what I have concluded, though arrived at by a different path. Our destiny is to sing our unique song and live out our gifts and talents. Nothing more is required.
Post a Comment