Wednesday, October 10, 2012

The Unexamined Life (Part 1)


I was talking to a friend yesterday in preparation for a project that 7 Degrees North Ministries is working on. He was sharing with me what his life looked like before coming into relationship with Christ. The theme was that he was self-consumed and habitually “lived in the moment”. It’s interesting because I have heard countless stories with the same theme….”before Christ, I never really thought about life beyond what was happening at the moment. I was only concerned with meeting my needs and enjoying the pleasures of life and sin”. This saga warrants my thoughts about the nature of humanity.

Babies are so selfish right from birth! Haha!! Seriously, have you ever just really thought about the nature of babies? They don’t care about anything or anyone besides them and their comfort and pleasure. Change My diaper so that I can be comfortable, give ME a bottle so that MY belly can be full, hold ME, show ME attention, I’m sleepy so I’m going to make everyone miserable until I go to sleep (I do love kids, I promise ). The forgiving aspect of this idea of selfishness in babies is that it is expected; they don’t know how to love effectively unless someone teaches them. It seems like a simple concept; however, this idea of selfishness becomes more complicated in adulthood.

As adults we have responsibilities, things that we do and say effect other people, the way that we live has implications on people in our lives and even people that we don’t know. With that in mind, if one never takes time to reflect on the past, consider decisions and the outcome of those decisions, and allow a perfect lover to teach them how to love and live effectively, the outcome is almost always a life that is self-destructive and externally destructive. An unexamined life is like a cigarette; it definitely harms the individual but the greater harm is to those who are around them. How often do you take time to really reflect on your life? What do you think will happen when you die? What is your purpose? Why did God create you? What legacy will you leave behind? Who or what will exist because of you? Who are you really?

I submit to you a challenge today. Take some time to reflect on the above questions. I would say that this is one of the most critically understandings that you will ever have to unfold. An understanding of this is foundational for the development and highest success of your life. I’ll give you a hint, ready? You didn’t create yourself…seek this knowledge in the creator of Your life…the creator of all Life…Jesus Christ. You won’t regret it, I promise. J

More to come.

With Love,

Kristin Sarai  

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