Most of us are busy filling our lives up with gadgets, connecting to social networks and generally overwhelmed with the lack of free time and space. I rarely run into someone, regardless of age or gender, that wishes they could be busier.
Instead, our collective cry is not for more things to do, but for the things we do to have more meaning. We’d rather be productive than busy. Unfortunately and too often, being busy is all we get these days.
Jesus wasn’t interested in people joining his social club or giving people something extra to do. Neither is He interested in casual acquaintance. He came to win over our hearts, and win them fully. He was fully God in human form, on a rescue mission for our souls. His purpose was to demonstrate God the Father to us, then to suffer a death only we deserved, so that we could be forgiven. That’s a passionate God, one that deserves more than a social ‘like’ in our network!
What does He want in return? He wants us to love Him, not just ‘like’ Him. To follow exclusively, not just be an insertion into the noisy fray of our lives. Surrendering to God is the first step, and for too many, too difficult.
“Then he said to them all: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow.” Luke 9:23
Then Jesus tells us one of the purposes of such a life altering surrender:
“And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matt 4:19
The moment we surrender our lives to our great God, and live a life of simple faith in Him, life takes on meaning. One filled with purpose and satisfaction that is beyond this life. Maybe your life anthem is like the U2 song, “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” but I’d suggest you haven’t looked in the right place.
Consider the words of C.S. Lewis:
“He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other.”
No social network or social club. No church or systematic theology. No perfect job or better best friend. Jesus Christ, the son of God, He is the meaning of Life, and He desires to give us all His satisfying, abounding life. That’s the heart of the Father, but do we have too much pride? Are we too busy?
We’re all busy, but are we all productive? We’re surrounded by people, but are we still lonely? If you are searching still for real purpose in this life, consider living for the next one. Consider the words of Jim Elliot,
“God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life, that I may burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like You, Lord Jesus.”
Thinking of our family and friends!
Bruce & Deb
Rzhyschiv, Ukraine
Good article Bruce – enjoyed the picture also. So true that busy doesn’t always equal productive and yet we do long to be productive. Thanks for sharing.