Uncertainty to Assurance: Giving and Gaining - Part 2

The majority of young adults hit the streets of life with determination to be successful and make it to the top of their career field. It is God's desire that we reach our full potential. However becoming self-absorbed with success may result in losing perspective on the purpose of life God designed especially for you.

When a wealthy young man asked Jesus what he had to do to receive eternal life, he wasn't prepared for the answer. "Sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me." Jesus wants you to care enough to pass on to others in whatever way he directs the knowledge, wisdom, and skills you've acquired.

Jesus said in Luke 18:27, "What is impossible with man is possible with God." Mother Teresa of India defined for all people what it means to care enough, to sacrifice enough, so that others could share in God's bounty. Her life is a contemporary example on how to avoid self-absorption and stagnation. It's a worthy, godly choice.  

Choosing a New Perspective - Part 3

Losing perspective on the purpose and direction of one's life often happens during what is known as mid-life. The majority of individuals have skills that will sustain them throughout adulthood to insure productivity until retirement, but there are phases of life when the future may seem uncertain. This uncertainty and doubt may create anxiety or even depression.

Moving into mid-life sometimes means experiencing an identity crisis often associated with the loss of youthful looks and energy. Healthy change may mean obtaining a new perspective on what to do with the skills, knowledge, and wisdom - both learned and given by God's grace and kindness. Most everyone realizes that hoarding these treasures is unrewarding and unfulfilling.

Luke 18:18 relates a story about a man of position and prestige who came to Jesus concerned about his immortality and asked how to be assured of eternal life. The choice Jesus gave him was to give away what is transient and follow him. He would then have peace and assurance. Jesus does not ask us to do what is impossible, but what promises abundant life.