Purpose

How is the Hole in Your Soul?

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

Psalm 107:9

For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

Blaise Pascal was a mathematician and Christian philosopher alive in the mid seventeen century France. His book Pensées outline his thinking on how  accepting God’s existence is a highly probable event. He also wrote about the hole in every person’s soul. In my observation of human behavior, I have to agree with him on His soul metaphor.

We are all born with an emptiness in our soul. A yearning or desire which needs to be satisfied. A part which completes and fulfills our deepest passion. I believe the hole was deliberately created by God for God himself. HE wired each of us to have a relationship with HIM. Yet HE doesn’t force Himself upon us.

Like mutual, satisfying sex within the marriage bond, so is the act of allowing God to fill our soul hole. But not for a one-night stand. HE is looking for a long-term, permanent intimate relationship.

Our souls also need purpose. Literature, history and even current movies show how us humans have a strong need for romance and adventure. Without either, we shrivel into a wimp like state. But when we are mutually attracted to another person, life becomes exciting. Our emotional cup becomes more satisfied.  

Likewise, having an adventure helps one grow in responsibility and maturity. Competition with an adversary allows one to develop stronger character. And accomplishing a worthwhile mission builds faith and confidence. Life becomes more alive as you grow from the ordeal. And growth adds greater value of self and community.

But when our soul hole is full of false illusions, empty lies, and half-truths, we come out angry, frustrated, and unfulfilled. Only when the real God becomes one with a person does life become worth living. Until then, the ugliness and pain of life destroys the soul’s influence on the person’s spirit and body.

Jesus came so you and I may experience the abundant life (Jn. 10:10). When you seek the Truth, your road is built upon solid ground (Jn 4:24). Freedom. Flourishment. Fulfillment. These are outcomes of HIS lifestyle. His ways empowers all people. We gladly join Him on HIS quest to restore creation. He doesn’t use power to oppress others. Instead HE serves others to build them up into the people they were born to be.

But it all goes back to how you and I are going to fill up our soul hole. Are we going to allow HIM full entrance? Or are we going to keep HIM out?  Adam and Eve could have filled their cup from the tree of life (Gen. 3:22).  But instead took upon themselves to decide what is good and evil.

History is the lesson of choosing who, what, and how one fills up their soul. I chose the Triune God. How about you?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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Character Development

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

Genesis 4:7

If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

Many of today’s universities are indoctrinating the younger generation to become activists. The focus is to become involved in a mission greater than themselves. Usually the aim is to pursue a current left-wing agenda of social justice, diversity, or equity in the name of saving society. The moral dilemma though is the process being taken to achieve their goals.

Instead of respecting the opinion of others, they practice character assassination. Instead of focusing on facts, they allow their violent feelings to attack the messenger. Instead of exercising goodwill and care for those who do not agree, they spew hatred and contempt.

When one’s moral view is without God, fundamental healthy values become distorted. Basic principles which lead to freedom, flourishment, and fulfillment for both sides are destroyed. The self becomes god before others. Somewhere, they have forgotten when one finger points at others, three fingers are pointing back at themselves. Instead of being made aware they are part of the problem, they are taught to blame others. What we witness are individuals lacking self-control. Instead, their natural carnal tendency is to express negative hostility. Life becomes a war zone.

Successful people throughout history have demonstrated the importance of developing moral character. Such character prevents the destruction of self and others. Today as a society, we seem to ignore godly character instead allowing our passions to rule us.

The opening Scripture refers to when Cain and Abel had a disagreement.  The one brother ended up killing the other. God intervened and made the above statement. Like Cain and Abel, we all have emotions and feelings which when left unchecked lead to unacceptable outcomes. Relationships are destroyed. Families disband. Countries fight wars. Tribes attack each other. Labor distrusts management.

To create a society where people proactively do good for each other takes effort, self-sacrifice, and self-control. When these qualities are replaced by victimhood, a “me” mentality, and unbridled emotions, the results are responses without habitual moral strength in charge. Children may act in such a way while still young and learning how to live the good life. But when adults respond with emotional, angry outbursts, one questions their maturity level.

Sin destroys relationships. Whether we are speaking about our relationship with Father God, our mate, or our neighbor, when we respond without guardrails in place, the outcome does not build up anyone. Instead we behave as bullies, and no one wants to be friends with bullies accept another bully.

As a Christ-follower, we are assured that his Spirit lives in us – the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). As we defer and allow His Spirit to live in us and through us, we begin to experience life as the new creation. The fruit of His Spirit (Gal. 5:23-23) becomes more active as we remove more of self out of the picture and allow Jesus Christ to have center stage.    

One day we will all die and leave our material possessions behind. Yet, there is one item you will take with you into eternity – your character. As God’s Spirit morphs you into the image of Jesus Christ, you will also find changes in your character, attitude, and worldview. Your view begins to reflect the Triune God’s. You begin to view life through HIS eyes. Slowly you learn how to act and behave as HE would in each situation.

Yes, we will fail at times. But HIS grace is sufficient to restore us and keep us moving forward as HIS witness. During these hard times, we cry out for HIS intervention. We find ways to participate with HIM.  In return, HE molds our character into HIS image always preparing us for eternity.

When you focus to take part with God in the mission of sharing HIS good news, the byproduct is the development of your character. So next time when you are tempted to stray, you will have character guardrails to keep you from falling into the abyss. You will be in charge of the situation rather than have the situation control you.

Always remember, you are God’s workmanship (Eph 2:10). And HE always makes everything very good.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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Humanity’s One Duty

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

Ecclesiastes 12:13

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

The Book of Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon near the end of his life. The book is an overview of his search for life’s meaning and purpose. Yes, the book was written some three thousand years ago. But his observations and conclusions are still practical today as they were back then.

He answers such questions as: What is there to gain in this lifetime? Where does one best invest their time and energy? How does one live a more productive life? Who are the most important people you need to listen too? When is the best time to pursue your goals? Why life matters?

One of the most important topics he discusses is God’s involvement in your life. He answers from a life time of living with God and also rebelling against HIM. He leaves you with a greater insight into your own story. He doesn’t mince words.

His views are like a scientist analyzing the results of a sixty-year study on human behavior. From birth to death, he sorts through God’s relationship with humanity and humanity’s relationship with God. His research takes him viewing how God and time and chance are both occurring throughout life. He views and explains the unfair outcome of people’s lives. From birth to the grave, he states his case and leaves the reader with the conclusion of the matter.

Man’s main responsibility to fulfill in this life is to fear God and observe HIS commandments. To fear God means to acknowledge HIS authority and final word on any matter. That our allegiance places HIM first on all matters. HE is King above Kings and rules everyone. HE deserves are utmost respect and worship.

Because of who HE is, we acknowledge HIS superior wisdom. Thus, we practice HIS decrees for how to best maintain relationships with each other. His ten commandments highlight the means to have a healthy relationship with HIM and others. A society that practices such behavior will only need a small governing structure to handle legal matters. There would be greater trust and security in the land.

Solomon’s final conclusion as king wasn’t for more government involvement to produce fear into the people. Instead, his recommendation is for each person accepted personal responsibility. To respect the authority of God Almighty and follow HIS teachings. When done, life for themselves and the society around them would flourish in freedom and prosperity. Along the way, you would also find meaning and fulfillment.  

Nothing has changed since then in regards to human behavior. But today, we have the knowledge and a greater relationship with God Almighty through Jesus Christ. We have the Holy Spirit residing in us. We have a greater understanding and insight of HIS Word along with historical lessons. How much greater is the time we live now than then? What happens when one combines the teaching of this book with Jesus’s gospel message and purpose? One gains a greater perspective of the physical and spiritual dynamics at work.

Fear God may be an old-fashion expression. But like many old-fashion disciplines, maybe it is time to be again reintroduce into the world.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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