Priorities in life have evolved over the past few decades for a lot of individuals and families. For some it’s important that they attain academic laurels and have a place within the corridors of power in whatever society they find themselves. For some others it’s all about status and living the bougie life, purely socialites. For yet another group it’s all about the money, how it’s achieved is inconsequential.
Looking rich, feeling rich, acting rich, being rich; none of it actually really matters if you’re outside of the will of God. I recently heard a story of a middle-aged woman who had grown through the ranks of her career and was doing so well. Despite all her achievements though, she was unable to make time for her family and even her health. She kept putting off taking care of herself until the fatal happened, she collapsed at the very job that had stolen her years and died within 24 hours.
Another young vibrant gentleman who had spend the early years of his life just living as anyone else finally decides to seek God after he had reached the point of depression. Unfortunately time didn’t align with his plans. He was found dead in his room one morning, how heartbreaking.
One lady shared her story about pursuing her career goals and always aiming to achieve more. She rose to high ranks of her dreams but the strain on her life and other goals were gradually becoming unbearable. She was earning a sweet pay and doing well by certain standards but she decided to make a sudden switch based on realities of life. She chose to focus more on herself, family and things that really mattered to her. Albeit, self indulgence doesn’t necessarily guarantee fulfillment. Eternal fulfillment and satisfaction is only discovered in God’s perfect will. Read that again!!
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight” (Isaiah 5:20-21).
“Every way of man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.” (Proverbs 21:2).
1. How often do you weigh the motives for the decisions you make and the actions you take?
2. What propels you to act in the ways that you do?
3. How often do you pause to reflect on the impact of your life here on earth to your life in eternity?
The first two humans were told by their Creator that it would be wrong for them to eat the fruit of a certain tree. “You shall not eat of it or even touch it, lest you die” (Genesis 3:3). But in Eve’s eyes, the tree was good and desirable. “The woman saw that the tree was good for food, a delight to the eye, and desirable to make one wise” (Genesis 3:6). And so she ate. In Eve’s eyes it was good to eat the fruit. But in God’s word it was forbidden. She ignored God, called evil good, and did what was right in her own eyes. Adam joined her. People have been doing the same ever since, and they won’t live happily ever after.
Making time for family and taking time off to practice self-love is good. Worldly standards and what people deem as success and fulfillment can be good and propel you to achieve seemingly great things. However the most prudent thing to do is to seek the face of God in all your endeavours. I will end with a few versus of one of my favourite chapters of scripture (kindly find time to read and meditate on the whole chapter).
“One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, And every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”Romans 14:5-12 KJV
Why put your eternity at risk for timely pleasures that evaporate as steam? Finding God’s will for your life puts everything into perspective. Look up to God not just as your source (for substance and provision) but more significantly as your Coach (your guide and direction). Remember that He makes the rules and we shall all give an account of this life to Him. Be adequately prepared, Selah!
With love, Esinam
Virtuous Living 