Most people would never articulate or even admit we are vulnerable or insecure. And yet these realities are always right below the surface, driving us to have, to do, and to be somebody (Solomon). When we are secure we find contentment. When we love we offer and receive acceptance. When we give respect or receive it we are blessed in our ability to have a satisfied mind.
The world is relational, so if we fail at family, friendship, and neighboring, we are left with little comfort when we give account to God for the way we have lived. While it is fulfilling to create, accomplish, or enjoy what we do for a living, we can be confident our replacement will be waiting in the wings. This will occur whether we are good at the job or not. It is an inevitability.
And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor the way you love yourself. Everything the entire law and all the prophets tell us can be summed up in these two.” – Matthew 22:34-40
Learning how to love well involves effort. God’s kind of love is a lot of work with great promise of success. And if we have loved well, there is a good chance we will experience genuine love in return. To find identity merely from accomplishments, even good ones, can be tenuous. There is a security of mind and heart which only solid relationships can provide. Knowing we matter to others, that our life counts, and the fact we will be remembered fondly and lovingly is a great reward in light of the coming eternity.
What a gift to have those dozen or so people at any one time who value our contribution to their lives. Perhaps we have made their journey lighter. More hopeful. Made them feel more cared about. All the better if this has been reciprocal.
I am beyond the phase in life where I believe I am going to change the nature of the world, but I believe I have made a substantive difference in certain lives as I have made available my gifts, skills, time and energy to what God values. It is what I call the security of a satisfied mind. It is all about God and others and ultimately about finding my true self.
√ What makes you feel respect toward another? From another?
√ What things make you feel insecure?
√ Whom have you found to have been the most reciprocal in love?
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petitions with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
So my soul security brings me peace that I may pass through to others in the many forms of God love, and my respect for and from others increases. It is a win-win, right?!
Resting with you in the security of God’s work through His Son,
Dave and Burnadette
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