I Did It (Thy) Way
You've heard the philosophy behind the actions of many today spoken many times:
"I gotta be me"... "I did it my way"... "I want it all"... It's expensive, but
I'm worth it." We do live in an era of self indulgence, but that is not really
new. Many people think they are the center of the universe, and that's not new
either.
We are reminded of a fellow in the Bible who would have fit well into our
culture. He would probably be greatly admired today. Listen to his words: "And
he began reasoning to himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no place
to store my crops?' And he said, 'This is what I will do: I will tear down my
barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.
And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to
come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."' (see Luke 12:16-21 for the
context). But you know what? God called him a fool!
One may "live it up" and never comprehend what it means to truly live
abundantly. Jesus said that those who exalt themselves will be humbled - it
isn't that we are not important as individuals - we are! Jesus died for us, so
we must be valuable. Its just that the basis of our value is not what people
often think that it is; its not in our possessions or riches or good looks or
fame. Rather, it is what we are in relationship to our Creator.
So, if you are one of those people trying to "find themselves" you might try
looking to the God in whose image you are made. Its the best place to look and
the right thing to do.
By Jon W. Quinn
The Final Page
From Expository Files 16.5; May 2009
