Money vs Meaning – Which is the greatest risk?

 

Man upon facing disappointment, anxiety, disorientation and crisis in life concludes that lack of money is the only cause for all these emotions. Pennilessness is a scary experience. To watch your savings run dry and living from paycheck to paycheck can be a daunting existence. Losing money can be in various forms. Financial experts list several reasons: It can be unexpected expenses, low income compared to expenses, health issues, high education expenses and so on. The world has concluded that making money and hoarding it will never put a person in a position of risk. But reality dictates otherwise. We still see the ultra-rich struggle to maintain balance in their life. The poor continue to believe that money is the solution for their wearied existence. This dichotomy is real. However, this teaches us one truth that risk is not always running out of money, but it is running out of meaning. 

Man did not evolve under the influences of blind meaningless forces. There is a purpose to life. If one can understand the true meaning and purpose of life, the perspective changes the crisis and challenges a person faces. In the book ‘I Don’t Have Enough Faith To Be An Atheist!’ the author Frank poses five questions which are of paramount importance. Once we comprehend it better, there is clarity and hope in our existence.  The five most consequential questions in life are these:

Origin: Where did we come from?

Identity: Who are we?

Meaning: Why are we here?

Morality: How should we live?

Destiny: Where are we going? 

The answers to each of these questions depends on the existence of God. If God exists, then there’s ultimate meaning and purpose to your life. If there’s a real purpose to your life then there is a real right and wrong way to live it. Choices you make now not only affect you here but affect your eternity. Knowing the true God is the biggest accomplishment in man’s life. The story of Jesus, the evidence of His lifestyle and His resurrection from dead changes the course of human history. The unique book on the planet called “The Holy Bible” has all the answers to our questions as humans. The meaning of life is unfolded in the person Jesus. Life is not just meant to live with a religious identity on this earth but to find the Savior of our soul. God is not an animal, plant, sun, moon, or in the religious structure built by man. The living Christ indwells human heart and is personal to us. You are His unique creation. The Bible calls us His masterpiece. Do not deny Him without knowing Him. Once you find purpose in Christ all your needs and risks are no longer at the mercy of money but in His favor and immense kindness. The Bible states, “He loads us with daily benefit.” When your soul is intact with the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, life becomes meaningful and purposeful.

 

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THE FOUR

The Nosedive of Conclusions!

Chocolates make you smarter, therefore, I should eat lots of chocolate every day – We find this statement in Matt Fujimoto’ article. He explains our habit of jumping to conclusions as: Though the statement looks convincing, yet it is not completely true. Arguments are not just about making true statements but about connecting statements to each other or inferences. Similarly in our day-to-day life there are many things that are so close to facts yet don’t make sense when applied in our personal life. 

Theories of cognitive therapy claim that “we are what we think we are”. When a person is jumping to conclusions, they are drawing negative conclusions with little or no evidence. Researchers suggest this type of error in thinking is common, but it can come with considerable costs. In one study, researchers found that people who often jump to conclusions are also susceptible to other cognitive distortions. They were more likely to make decisions based on limited information and are overconfident in their choices.

There are cases where our instincts trigger us to jump to conclusions and judgements based on our realities and personal intuitions.  Yes, the realities of life are real, the problems we face are real, the challenges we encounter are daunting & unchanging, but the conclusions don’t have to be negative. I agree there are cases which are simple and straightforward. When we attract a particular problem and we become the reason for it then the outcome of it is unchangeable. On other hand we have situations which consume us to the point we find ourselves sinking. It may look as though there are no alternatives but to be submerged and lose ground, yet the outcome doesn’t have to be based on our assumptions and conclusions. 

I am not telling to build an irrational hope over the toxic situations created and then expect a positive result. That may be quite difficult unless you again want to use unfair means to get away from the situation unscathed. The Bible also clearly states, “whatever a man sows,  he reaps.” But I am referring to a situation you are battling with and based on all the realities your situation is looking grim. I challenge you not to jump to conclusions. The outcome can be different if you look to the Savior for help. The Bible states, "For in Him (Christ Jesus) we live and move and exist." It signifies that our very being and existence are dependent on God. Therefore, your hope doesn’t have to be based on what and how you foresee things. Let me emphasize that we cannot see reality beyond each day. Your estimations are limited. I entreat you to learn more about Jesus who can give you hope and endurance through such seasons in your life. The easiest thing is to connect with Him and speak to Him where you are. Confess your shortcomings, failures, crisis and ask for help. This is not a Christian religious mantra, but the truth that Jesus is the source of life. Therefore, do not jump to conclusions but trust on His sovereignty for divine outcome. 

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THE FOUR

When People assume wrong about you!

Worried about people’s opinion about you? Don’t worry! You are not the only one. Many will share their story of being misunderstood and framed based on people’s opinion. Reality is that you can't control what other people think about you. Sometimes no matter what you do to prove their opinion about you to be false they will continue to think the same. It hurts when you know that you are misunderstood and wrongly estimated. It is not always possible to keep clarifying. Therefore, don’t waste your energy doing that if you are on the right track.  You are not here to correct every rumor or reintroduce yourself to every person who never took the effort to understand you in the first place.

You are a unique creation of God created by Him wondrously. There are people who will never know a paragraph of your story. Most of the time we are worried about other’s misunderstandings and misconceptions about us and stress ourselves. We strive to live up to people's expectations. You don’t have to do so. Your chapter of life is entirely different from others; your roadmap of life is based on what God intended it to be. You are concerned when people assume wrongly about you, but have you ever thought about what God thinks about you.

One of the authors of the Bible, Apostle Paul, boldly​ states these ​words before the council and jury when he was falsely accused, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience to this day”.  I am referring to a God who is full of love and compassion, a holy God. Further Paul adds this, “I always strive to have a clear conscience towards God and Men.”. When you live with a good conscience before a true living God, you will inevitably live with a clear conscience, also towards men. Jesus surpasses human standard. He was not only powerful to heal the sick, the lame and the blind, but also raised people from the dead. He resurrected from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus  Christ from the dead is the ultimate event in human history. His life is worth studying. He did not just talk about ethics and good morals but set standards of living in holiness and purity.

Psalmist David in his writings in the Bible states, “The arrogant constantly ridicule me, but I do not turn away from your instruction.”. Sometimes you may not be just wrongly assumed but ridiculed too. Do not spend your energy defending or planning your response. Study Jesus’ instruction for it is the way of life. The Bible which is usually named as “Holy Bible” captures what God appraises about you. He says you are loved immensely. He poured His love while you were yet a sinner. His opinion about you changes everything.  When you live faithfully before God the savior, all opinions about you will not only be changed but it won’t matter anymore.

 

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THE FOUR

Some Hearts Bleed Silently!

 

People are hurting and in pain. It cannot be emphasized enough. The world is full of damaged people preoccupied in their own turmoil, grappling with uncertainties of the future. They walk around with a smile to impress people but silently carry a gangrenous gash deep within. There is a need to reach out to such people with tenderness which will eventually reveal the invisible walls, the tragic stories and the overwhelming emotion they feel when they encounter kindness.

They hide their emotional fractures, bury their hopes and camouflage their scars. True love exposes these frailties. Hearts bleed silently and loving them just as they are without trying to fix their problems will make a world of difference. Your commitment to walk with them in this painful journey will build their hope in life one inch at a time.  In the book of Proverbs 18:24 it states, “…there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.”. In this world of brokenness people want a friend who can understand them, listen to them and walk with them. When they find the warmth in your company, they start listening to you and putting their faith in God whom they don’t see. 

Jesus describes true love as "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.". The greatest sacrifice in human history is alluded to Jesus alone who went through the excruciating pain and suffering on the cross. He laid down His life proving He is the best friend one could ever have. Pain and suffering did not spare even God, but it is this same God, Jesus who gives us hope in these trying circumstances. When one makes a choice to surrender and accept Christ as His savior there is hope. He works through the pain even though it is humanly impossible. 

I like the story of Scott Saul where he refers to a story about his daughter’s fractured hand. The doctor advised to fix her hand is to allow her to go through the painful medical process to heal which is not possible otherwise. We are in a fallen and broken world. Christ is the sovereign God who is here to save you, bless you and make you the heir of His kingdom. Life takes you through a painful process, but there is hope for sure. Would you reach out to Jesus and talk about your crisis? He is the way the truth and the life and there is no mediator beside Christ. Reach out to Him alone for your life transformation story. 

 

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If God is good why do bad things happen?

Knowing the Saviour 

THE FOUR

Use and Throw!

Use and throw is a phrase we use for things, but sadly it is also synonymous for people. This consumer age has groomed people to think selfishly. Hence, using people for our advantage and getting rid of them once we have received the benefit, is common. People do this so they don’t have to be committed to them in the future. Are you a victim of such treatment? Are you disappointed and discouraged of feeling used?

If you are someone who uses and throws away people repeatedly, you need to stop it. If you are in the habit, you perceive people as disposable and worthless. You fail to see that they are precious in the sight of their Creator, hence, they need to be treasured and preserved. So, what does it mean to throw people away? It's when someone says, or does, or condones, or writes something we don’t like, that becomes our instigator. When we start throwing people away, we start throwing away the divine. We remove the Prince of Peace and Mercy from our lives and instead enthrone an idol of bitterness and hatred – an idol that is much harder to serve than our Lord of forgiveness. 

It’s easy to keep tab of the negativity but do we keep tab of the goodness shown to us. Man’s self-centeredness always wants to go the way the person plans. People define offense based on how they perceive and cut people from their lives accordingly. Loving people and respecting people are mostly prejudiced in our culture. We walk around our past baggage called grudges, which needlessly weigh us down. We feed and nurture these grudges because of our pride and refuse to let go of them. The Bible admonishes us to lay down those weights that slow down our run in faith. Jesus and His followers were able to lay aside the weight of grudges to pursue and share the hope within them.

When Jesus framed the greatest commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and then to love others as ourselves, He did not frame any condition. Loving one another is as equal to loving God. In the book of John in the Bible the author states this, "If you can't love your brother whom you can see, how can you love God whom you have not seen?" Love people unconditionally because they are the image of God. 

 

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THE FOUR

When Your Imaginary Life Starts Fading!

 

 We all love to imagine our dream life of enjoying it to the fullest, succeed to the top, accomplish what we long for, and smooth sail through our dreams to see it fulfilled in real life. If only life could be this easy! When we were children and dependent on parents, decision making was not much of a deal. But when you come of age, adulthood demands a certain amount of serious life changing decision making, like selecting a course, professional career, or choosing a life partner. When expectations contradict the outcomes then disappointment sets in.

Life sees uncertain like a vagabond trying to survive with a little comfort. Let me quote the first two paragraph of the poem “Vagabond” by Robert L Stevenson. A simple expectancy for a serene dream life. 

Give to me the life I love,

  Let the lave go by me,

Give the jolly heaven above

  And the byway night me.

Bed in the bush with stars to see,

  Bread I dip in the river --

There's the life for a man like me,

  There's the life for ever.

 

Let the blow fall soon or late,

  Let what will be o'er me;

Give the face of earth around

  And the road before me.

Wealth I seek not, hope nor love,

  Nor a friend to know me;

All I seek, the heaven above

  And the road below me….

Who hasn’t felt the pressure or anxiety of not realizing their dreams? As human beings, our power of imagination is astonishing. The seed of a great dream can be born from a simple idea. However, the dreams and desires we harbor have a significant emotional impact. One day we may feel optimistic and confident, but the next, those dreams can vanish, turning our emotions into anguish. The curious thing is that, in some way, we all leave some dreams unfulfilled. Even the most successful people in the world do not actualize all their illusions. Does it means to just accept the reality and go with the flow where it takes? Or is there a hope to still find our expectations realized? 

How do we face and navigate through real life? Now comes the hard question. We all believe in God’s purpose in human life however vaguely we may understand its importance. We accept our present condition which looks like it is dependent on our fate, status, power of influence, power of money and how best we put our efforts as our reality. We usually put all our trust in our best efforts, influence and then cascade down to accepting what is available to us as the last option. We don’t have to be at the mercy of  residual options. If  you believe God who has brought you to existence you would know that He has also promised an abundant life. Jesus stated, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” He refers to abiding in the love of Christ the Savior. If you want your joy to be full, you should know who is Jesus  the resurrected Savior in the entire human history. Jesus promised “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” You have been promised an abundant life. You can inherit it if you truly know Him better and accept Him as the Savior of your life from all your sinful nature. There is remission and forgiveness of sins in His name.

We all want our dream life but as the good loving parents deciding the best even when we are not in our complete senses. That is our God, who has already planned the best for you if you seek Him and listen to Him. You can talk to Him from where you are and read the Bible to find all the answers in life. This is not a feel-good religious advice but to experience God navigating you towards an abundant promising life, grounded in Christ Jesus. 

 

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THE FOUR

Love without compelling!

 

There is a story in the Bible where a rich young man feels sad and Jesus didn’t try to make it better. The young man approaches Jesus to know if he can be part of eternal life, i.e. life after death. He affirms to Jesus that he is careful in observing the laws and commandments of Torah from his childhood.  The Torah is the name for the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses. It is central text in Judaism, considered the foundational law and teachings of the Jewish religion. Jesus addresses the core of the young man’s existence by asking him to sell all his possession and give it to the poor and follow Him. 

Bible excerpt Luke 18:22-24 [22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!]

Jesus says to forsake all and follow. The man gets very sad. Jesus sees he is sad. Jesus lets him walk away. Jesus never tried to convince him, persuade him nor apply force in any form. He allowed him to walk away. I think this was also the best example of the demonstration of His love. Jesus never forced anyone to follow Him and therefore Christianity never forces anyone to follow or convert to Christianity. Christianity is a religion of Love which follows the teachings of Christ also modelled in the form of charitable activities to reach out to the poor and the vulnerable with the acts of love. Sadly, people use deception and manipulation labelling Christians as one who allure and convert people which is purely a false allegation in all sense.  

The Bible among all scriptures in the world states, “God is Love”. It is true of all the demonstration of love Jesus showed. He reached out to the lepers of his time who were considered as outcast. No one dared to reach out, forget about touching them. But in several instances Jesus touches them, they were cleansed and healed completely. So often the Bible writers observed Jesus’s extreme love of mankind and stated, “Jesus moved in his compassion” and reached out to people in need. 

An apostle of Jesus called Paul was an ardent persecutor of Christians. When he encountered Jesus, he was not only transformed but also started preaching about Jesus in all corners of Rome and in most parts of Asia. In his letters he states, “Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles..”. The greatest demonstration of Jesus when crucified with all the false allegation never defended Himself even once. Christ predicted His own death and resurrection which was proved a true moment in Human history. His death on the cross was important because He died for the propitiation of man’s sins and today the sin of the mankind is forgiven by believing in Jesus, repentance of sins and accepting Him as one’s Savior. 

Religion uses persuasion and force, anti-conversion laws to protect its existence but Christ demonstrated love and gives complete freedom to accept Him or reject Him. However, the Bible is clear that whoever believes in Him and follows Him will have abundant life here on this earth and assured of eternal life. The Bible verse that assures this is, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

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