If intelligence, power and wealth are not good enough reasons for sacrificing life, then God's final choice of values for which life can be sacrificed is righteousness. The life that is given to proclaim, advance and establish religion on earth is a life that pleases God. Even God is proud of such a life.
Another reason worth giving one's life is kindness or love. In God's eyes, mercy and love take the place of knowledge, power and wealth. God also gave himself the title of love. In the scriptures we read that God is love. In the Old Testament, this is called loving kindness. Which is a combination of two words of our modern language today. These two words are truly inseparable, love and kindness – loving kindness. You can't love and not be kind and you can't be kind and not love. It is a twin word that reflects the nature of God.
When a person gives his life to love and show mercy, he lives God's life on earth. These reflect his nature. They keep his image. That is why a worthy life is dedicated to these values. No wonder, in God's eyes this is considered a legitimate reason for boasting. It is not some earthly thing that goes away with the passing of the earth. Loving kindness does not end on earth. It crosses the earth to reach heaven. So, this is a person who dedicates his life to showing loving kindness. These kinds of people definitely have power with God and man. They have a rare type of wealth gem.
“If you want to know me, don't ask me where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I do my hair, but ask me what I live for, in detail, me Ask what I think I am avoiding to live fully for what I want to live for.'' -Thomas Merton
The ready example that comes to mind is that of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. William and Catherine Booth, founders of the Salvation Army. Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing. These people may have left this earth but their memories will remain with them even after many years. Of these it can truly be said that they gave their lives for a good cause.
The next thing that pleases God, which is certainly worth giving one's life for, is justice. God calls himself a God of justice. If Almighty God would recognize this dimension of life, it means that He associates His life and reputation with justice. Then it would be good for one of our lives to be devoted to such a purpose. It is worth giving one's life for justice. Justice according to God is a credible reason for boasting. A life dedicated to bringing about justice, pursuing justice and establishing justice is often better than intelligence, power or wealth.
“If you start focusing on and taking responsibility for where you are and where you want to be, you will have less regrets in life.” – Deborah Day
Friends, listen to this: God delights in justice; He enjoys it. Due to this his muscles become flexible. Similarly, God is pleased with any person who dedicates his life to furthering the cause of justice. This is the kind of value for which life is worth living.
If intelligence, power and wealth are not good enough reasons for sacrificing life, then God's final choice of values for which life can be sacrificed is righteousness. The life that is given to proclaim, advance and establish religion on earth is a life that pleases God. Even God is proud of such a life.
“Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It's a waste to ask questions when you are the answer. -Joseph Campbell
God's nature cannot tolerate unrighteousness. His completely religious nature abhors all forms of unrighteousness. Therefore, God loves those who pursue righteousness. In the New Testament, Jesus challenges us to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, because He knows this is God's passion. When a person seeks the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, the Kingdom of God entrusts all the resources of the Kingdom to such a person. Therefore, Christ promises in Matt. 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
When a person dedicates his life to seek and establish God's righteousness then God makes sure that all things are added up for such a person. God takes care of all his liabilities. God fulfills all his needs. Dear friends, there is nothing greater than laying down one's life for the advancement of God's kingdom and His righteousness.
“But woe to you Pharisees! Because you tithe mint, myrtle and all kinds of herbs, and stay away from justice and the love of God. You should have done this, without leaving others incomplete.” – Luke 11:42
Since the earth was created by God, its functioning has to be according to certain principles. Without them life on earth would have no meaning. We have been given life only to pursue these values. My life and your life, dear reader, will make the best impact when they are given and dedicated to the knowledge of God, loving kindness promoted, justice established and righteousness proclaimed.
We become distracted and lose focus when our attention goes to the three great things – intelligence, power and wealth – which God says are not enough reasons to boast.
All human endeavors should promote knowledge of God, loving kindness, justice and righteousness. In fact, knowledge is meaningful only when it is used to promote the above values. Power has meaning only when it is used to promote the above values. Wealth is only meaningful when it is used to promote the values of knowing God, instilling loving kindness, promoting justice, and proclaiming righteousness.
Our lives are to be dedicated to the advancement of these values. God himself is pleased with God's wisdom, mercy, justice, and righteousness.
If God is to rule the earth, He will rule only through God's wisdom, loving kindness, justice, and righteousness. God will establish His kingdom on earth only through men and women who are sold to spread the knowledge of God, His love and kindness, justice and righteousness.
If our prayer is to know the effectiveness of Elijah's prayer, then the purpose of our prayer should be to expand the knowledge of God among men, to promote His love and kindness, to establish His justice, and to declare His righteousness.
According to God, this is the true essence and value of life. God is interested in His glory and praise to permeate the earth, but only through His wisdom, only through His love and kindness, only through His justice and righteousness. All human activities on earth should be to further and promote the above. No life pleases God better than one that is dedicated to these values. This is the essence of life!!! Closing.
sunday adalja Nigerian born leader, change strategist, pastor and innovator. He was based in Ukraine.
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(TagstoTranslate)Pastor Sunday Adelaja(T)Mann
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