What we call life may not actually be living. Oh, we are alive. But is the simple fact that we are alive really living? You may have seen it to the extreme with a loved one when they had a terminal illness. Going through everything to live, but not having a life. Do you call this life?
Everyday Life
Okay, I am not talking about terminal illness and the harsh treatments many go through. I am talking about the everyday life people live, but on the inside they are dead. And some people have the illusion they are living life. But on the inside, they are lost. Some don’t even know they are lost and are clueless as they walk along “life’s” way.
This is Not Life
There are only two main paths to walk down. Someone can be walking the wrong path. They may not realize there is another path they are missing out on. It is all they know. They believed the lie that,
“This is life!”
And for all practical purposes, they may be living a good life. A good job, good family, good friends. Everything is good. It looks good, it feels good and it smells good. But they are empty.
Or maybe it is someone chasing temporary highs (bandaids) to feel good for the moment, to feel good about themselves. There is hurt and pain in their lives and they want to feel like they are living again, even if it is just for a moment. But they are empty.
This is Scott (me, the blogger)
I lived my life as a kid being a hero of sorts. I was told that I played that role because there was alcoholism in my family. This was my way of distracting from that and trying to make everything alright.
Because I would always fall short, it didn’t change things. I never felt valued. I just wasn’t quite good enough. There was an emptiness.
The Two Paths
There were two paths I could go down, the God Path and then “the other” path which was on my own. Even with only two paths, there were many forks on those paths to choose from. I tried the latter and took many turns. “The other” path, with all the turns always left me feeling empty.
Then I took the “God Path” at the age of 18. I started to feel I had value. I was learning that God gave me value and a purpose. But somehow I kept taking turns that once again left me feeling empty. Yes, even on the God Path.
The Jaded Life
Oh, for years I was doing all the right things. Then I tripped and fell. There was no one there to pick me up. I became jaded. I felt attacked by people, Christians, who I thought accepted me. I felt stomped on and disregarded. Then my mentor came into my life and picked me up.
I still struggled for many years as a jaded person, putting on the mask and playing Christian. Then one day my wife played the Hokey Pokey and I turned my life around – my bad humor. Okay, so she didn’t play the Hokey Pokey, but she pursued God with all her heart and God used that to bring me back home to Him.
What Is This Thing Called Life
I don’t know where you are in your walk. Maybe God isn’t even on your radar. Maybe you don’t know God. Maybe you know God, and you’re checking all the boxes. Maybe you thought you knew God, at one time, but something happened that made you question everything. Maybe you are compartmentalizing God and your life.
I used to know “of God”, but now that the Holy Spirit dwells within me (in my heart), I know God. I talk with Him every day. I’m all in and He is invited to every part of my life.
This thing called life is life with God. When we get to know Him intimately we realize how amazing He is. We can trust Him. We can depend on Him. We can live life with Him. In doing so, we put ourselves in a place to be a blessing to others. When we put ourselves in a place where God can work through us, blessing others, this is actually what abundant life is. This is living!
Check out Brandon Lake’s song Help and the story behind it. God is real. He does care and He is all in. Do not be all alone or on your own. You are on your own when doing things for God or because of God instead of with Him. If you are doing this alone, it’s time to cry Help…
Challenge of the Week
Stop finding reasons and excuses to not believe. He wants your focus, attention, devotion, and life. This is when you will find yourself truly free from fear, anxiety, pride, lack, chains, unforgiveness, and more. He has no limits, only you do. What one step do you need to take this week to get on the path with Him? Do it now and do not delay. So be it.
