What is your life?
James 4:14b
We don’t see things as they are,
We see them as we are.
Anas Nin
The way you see your life shapes your life.
How do you defines life determines your destiny. Your perspective will influence how you invest your time, spend your money, use your talents, and value your relationships. One of the best ways to understand people is to ask them, “How do you see your life?” You will discover that there are as many different answers to that question as there are people. People have said, “life is a ten-speed bicycle with gear we never use” or “life is a game cards: You have to play the hand you are dealt.”
If I asked how you picture life, what image would come to your mind? The image is your life metaphor. It’s the view of life that you hold in your mind. It is your description of how life works and what you expect from it. Your unspoken life metaphor influences your life more than you realize. It determines your expectations, your values, your relationships, your goals, your priorities. For instance, if you think life is a party or ‘aramai-ti’ (a term mostly known among Sabahan), your primary value in life will be having fun. If you see life as a race, you will value speed and you will probably be in a hurry much of the time. If you view life as a marathon or climbaton, you will value endurance. If you see life as a battle or a game, winning will be very important for you.
What is your view of life? To fulfill the purposes God made you for, you will have to challenge yourself with the metaphors of life. The bible says, “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God.” (Roman 12:2).
The bible offers three metaphors that teach us God’s view of life: Life is a test, life is a trust, life is a temporary assignment. These ideas are the foundation of purpose-driven living.
Life on earth is a test. We don’t know all the tests God will give you. A very important test is how you act when you can’t feel God’s presence in your life. Sometimes God intentionally draws back, and we don’t sense his closeness. But at a crucial point in life God could leave us alone to test our character, to reveal a weakness, and to prepare someone for more responsibility. Even the smallest incident has significant for your character development. Every time you pass a test, God notices and makes plans to reward you in eternity.
Life on earth is a Trust. Our time on earth and our energy, intelligence, opportunities, relationships, and resources are all gifts from God that he has entrusted to our care and management. We are stewards of whatever God gives us. If you treat everything as a trust, God promises rewards in eternity (Matthew 25:21)
Day 5
Thinking about my purpose
Point to ponder: Life is a test and a trust.
Verse to remember: “Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in a larger one” (Lk 16:10a)
Question to consider: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?
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