This month of June, 2010, I am reading a book titled ‘Purpose Driven Life‘ by Rick Warren. It is a Christian book but it is extremely good for everyone wishing to live fulfilling life.
It is divided into 40 chapters to be read in 40 days (Remember Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days). A chapter for each day. Today, I am in day 5. I have summarised below what I learnt from today’s Chapter. I will be writing an article each day based on each chapter for the next 40 days.
Seeing Life from God’s View-Day 5
The chapter starts by asking, What is life? (James 4:14b-NIV).
We see things differently, therefore people define life very differently. People define life as:
- a circus,
- a minefield,
- a roller coaster,
- a puzzle,
- a symphony,
- a journey- Remember Alchemist,
- a dance.
- a carousel: Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down, and sometimes you just go round and round
- a ten-speed bicycle with gears we never use” or “life is a game of cards: You have to play the hand you are dealt
I liked the author’s definition of life as a:
- Test,
- Trust,
- Temporary assignment.
He derived these definitions from various readings and interpretations of the bible. In this chapter, the author discusses the first two definition of life which are; life as a test and a trust.
Life as a TEST
I strongly agree with viewing life as a test, meaning that every happening in life provides an opportunity to learn and grow. The author shows that God continually tests our: character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. There are many stories in the bible of people who were tested. They include:Adam and Eve, Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Jesus in the wilderness etc.
These tests help us to develop a character.
Life tests can be simple or complex. Simple tests include: saying thankyou, how you respond to a bus conductor, waitress or a clerk. Other tests are major and complex such as: loss of loved one, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies.
Viewing life as a test, helps us to realise that nothing is insignificant or too small in this life. Every occurrence becomes important for personal growth and development. Every second, every minute, every hour and every day becomes an opportunity to grow, show love, show kindness and develop a strong character. The encounters in life may be overwhelming or small, but all of them have eternal implications.
Life on earth is a Trust.
This chapter reminded me something very important, that I am a steward of God given gifts, resources, opportunities, relationships, money, talents, ability etc. I did not come with anything into this world and I will leave empty handed. Therefore, I should never boast of my academic or financial achievements.
All what I am or have, has been placed by God under my care and management. When God created Adam and Eve he entrusted this world to them. This has not changed, I am (we are) entrusted with this world. We have to take care of it. We should preserve life, environment, wildlife, landscapes etc.
However, we have a big problem, our culture does not encourage us to care for what is not ours. This is contrary to God’s expectations. God requires us to be good stewards and managers of what is not ours as well as what is ours.
One of the biggest trust we have from God is money. Money is a test as well as a Trust. Money should help us grow spiritually instead of hindering us. However, many people find difficulties in handling money. To God, there is direct relationship between how we handle finances and our spiritual life. God will only trust us with true riches (spiritual gifts) if we are trustworthy with worldly riches (money). The Bible says, “If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?”
From this chapter we learn that:
Life is a test, everyday and every encounter is important to personal growth and development
Life is a trust: We are just stewards of God’s stuff, we came with nothing and we will leave empty handed.
Is this Chapter applicable to non-Christians?
Yes. Nobody came to this world with anything and nobody will leave with anything. All you have, is just loaned to you by some supernatural power (which I call God). Whether you believe in God or not, life remains a test as well as a trust to you. Take care and manage it faithfully.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
great.
Thanks Rori Kefa