The Real Essence!

Some parents view their children as their LIFE. A husband or wife may consider their spouse to be their LIFE. (Please understand the fact there are God given responsibilities to be accepted in these relationships is not to be minimized.) There are still others who consider their job or some recreational activity or hobby to be their LIFE. What this often depicts is that all of LIFE revolves around these particular relationships or activities. What happens when there is a loss of such loved ones or activities? For some, it is a feeling that LIFE is lost and there is nothing left for which to live. Certainly the loss of those dearest to us brings grief on a very deep level. Since we have been given the capacity to love deeply, we also have the capacity to feel the great depth of sorrow associated with such loss. However, one of the things which helps us through such times is the recognition of the relationship that truly constitutes LIFE!

Perhaps the relationship which creates the most difficulty in finding that which truly constitutes LIFE is self. People can get so caught up in themselves that it drastically impacts all their other relationships as well as their ability to attain LIFE at its best! What is the LIFE relationship that having our focus revolve around will keep everything else in perspective?

Writing to the church at Colosse, Paul exhorted and encouraged…
“(3) For YOU HAVE DIED, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (4) When CHRIST WHO IS YOUR LIFE appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” ( Colossians 3:3-4 ESV)

Life has been described is being that which one is alive to. What association grabs our attention the most and brings us alive? For a small child that may simply be the sound of the ice-cream truck coming around the corner. Sadly for some who have matured merely in years, their focus has not been lifted much higher than that.

What really perks us up and gets us going? How much is Christ truly our LIFE? Paul first reminded those at Colosse that they had died. Have we sufficiently died to self? He then pointed out they were presently safely hidden with Christ in God. Are we in Christ? Then Paul stated specifically what the essence of our life truly ought to be. It is when CHRIST HAS BECOME OUR VERY LIFE and purpose for existence that we have everything to gain and, like Paul, can consider everything else worth losing. ( Philippians 3:7-8)

How much our LIFE really revolves around Christ will dynamically impact our daily actions, choices, thoughts, and the way in which we approach all other relationships. May we seek to be so united with Him that He remains the very substance of our LIFE. This is the only way for us to be found living and walking as He did.

Have a great day ALLOWING CHRIST TO BE OUR LIFE’S SPHERE!
Carl

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