Now This is Living!

The Bible tells us that the world is blinded by the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4). Is it any wonder, then, that this world would turn out strategies for living that feel right, perhaps, but are, in fact, completely wrong?

Take, for instance, the whole "self-esteem" thing. Seems good, but as it turns out God describes us as "dead in sin" (Eph 2:1), "hostile to God" (Rom 8:7), and futile in speculation and darkened in heart (Rom 1:21). Well, now, that doesn't seem ... esteemable. (Okay, I made that word up. You know what I mean). Instead of "self-esteem" we are called to not think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think (Rom 12:3). James writes, "Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you." (James 4:9-10) Not quite "self-esteem", is it?

That's just an example. We are surrounded by many others. We know, for instance, that we all are seeking a "soul mate", but the Bible commands us to love regardless of our feelings. We are told to "follow your heart", but God says, "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?" (Jer 17:9) Time and time again the wisdom of this world turns out to be in direct contradiction to God's Word.

One that is patently obvious and still patently wrong is this whole "live life to the fullest" thing. While it sounds wise, what we read in the Word is something different.

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (Col 3:5)

If you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Rom 8:13)

It is impossible to lay "live life to the fullest" alongside "I die daily!" (1 Cor 15:31) and make sense of it. Because, you see, God's wisdom is not ours. As it turns out the abundant life that Jesus promised (John 10:10) starts with a cross (Luke 9:23). Yes, it is an abundant life. It just may not look like it from the world's standpoint.

Do you want a full, robust, abundant life? Well, of course you do. Who doesn't? That begins with dying to yourself and is maintained by dying to yourself and is the ultimate victory. But just try to explain that to the world.