Well we all need to start looking at life and defining it. The way we define life will be the way we live life. Pretty simple concept, right? I think of life like a roller coaster. It has it's ups and downs. There is one flaw to this analogy however, life also has valleys which a roller coaster does not. We all have a picture of what life is to us. Rick Warren calls this our "life metaphor". Our life metaphor will guide our actions. If life is seen as "a bowl of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." (Forest Gump) then you may live each day with surprise and awe. If you think it is one party after another, then your emphasis will be to have fun. If life is a race then we will go about each day with great speed. So, you see how you value life is how you act upon it. But how is this metaphor related to God's view?
The Bible tells us that life is three things: it is a test, a trust, and a temporary assignment. Wow! Really? These do not fit with my metaphor. I guess I need to do some rethinking about my life metaphor if I want to have a purpose-driven life.
Life is a test...
The first character in the Bible I think of when hearing the word test is Abraham. He was to sacrifice his only son Isaac. He went to do just that, but God pulled him back at the last moment. This was a test of faith and he passed with flying colors.
Then I think of Job. He had everything; a wife, children, riches, friends and fame. He also loved God with all his heart, mind and soul. But everything was taken from him. Yet he stilled praised God. Not sure if I would pass that one.
I have never been tested to those degrees, yet I am tested. God looks at my reactions to people and situations. He is wanted me to react with integrity, patience and love. I have to admit. I have failed miserably lately. And the fact is that I will continue to be tested until I pass the test. You would think I would have learned all ready, but, NO!
Warren mentions another type of test. It is the one when you cannot feel God's presence. I have been here many times. It is not a good place to be either. Warren talks about Hezekiah. Hezekiah was close to God. He talked with him daily and enjoyed his fellowship. But one day God withdrew during a difficult time to "test his character, reveal a weakness and prepare him for more responsibility." God does the same with you and me. He wants to see how we will act when he is not around, so to speak. Will we remain faithful to him or go the other way? This is tough. Testing is not easy. But if we know that life will be this way, we will realize that every part of our life is significant. No decision is unimportant. This revelation make me think about my decisions. I have been too lackadaisical with some of them thinking they mean nothing. Wrong. They all have eternal significance. In fact, every time we pass a test, we receive a reward. "Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that GOd has promised to those who love him." (James 1:2).
Life is a trust...
Everything I have is from God. I know this is a hard concept. We think that since we bought it,m we earned it. The truth is that unless God allows it, we would have nothing. God provides everything here on earth. He just lets us borrow it for the short while we live on earth. Nope. You can;t take it with you in eternity.
There is a story in the Bible about three servants. The master gives a different amount of money to them and expects a return on his investment when he returns. After the master came back he took stock at the growth of each servants investment and rewarded them accordingly. The owner replies, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You hve been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of in many things. Come and share your master's happiness." (Matthew 25;21). This is where I fall. I am not good with money. Until I am, I will always live paycheck to paycheck. I need to give God what is his first and believe that no matter what is in my checkbook., God will provide. you see there is a direct correlation to money and heavenly riches. If I cannot manage my money on earth, I will not be given heavenly riches. This is sad for me. It is a test that I have not been able to overcome. I have failed every time. I am testes constantly. UGH!
So, if life is a test and a trust how has God been testing me in these areas? I need to look at my life and see what I need to work in to pass these areas. I want to be responsible but am I willing to do what is necessary to get there? That is the big question. What is my answer?
