Are
we living significant lives? Is such a thing possible? The answer depends on
the context in which the matter is considered. If we ask the question in terms
of what the world considers significant problems arise. There are billions of people
on the planet now. What is important or notable in one place is inconsequential
in another. If we think of significance in terms of what is popular or
important at any particular moment we are faced with the reality that such
things change with the wind of time.
Even
when we think in the most material of terms, significance is a slippery thing.
There was a time when knowing the blacksmith was important. Now the automobile
mechanic is a technician who uses a computer along with his wrench. Inventions
and inventors are significant for their time, but time changes.
What
of the significance of “great men?” I admire men like Locke, Jefferson, Weaver,
Reagan and a good number of others. Perhaps all thinking people admire certain
men of thought. When we consider this we come a bit closer to the idea of real
significance. The truly significant life is one of good and right ideas. It is,
in other words, spiritual, not material.
The
dictionary says that “significant” means “having or conveying a meaning suggesting
or implying deeper unstated meaning.” Going back to definition provides insight
into the question. Definition always does that. Given that material existence
is always moving and changing and thus what is significant in one moment is
nothing the next, real significance in life flows out of life’s deeper meaning.
It
is right here that Jesus Christ makes all the difference. According to Him, “one’s
life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses” (Luke 12:15).
According to Him “And indeed there are last who will be first and first who
will be last” (Luke 13::30). And this, according to His friend John, whom He
inspired, “And this world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does
the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).
The
only real and actual significant lives are those lived according to eternal and
true princuples. Thus a true follower of Christ, a Christian, in a second
century Palestinian village lived a significant life. So does the Christian who
lives a faithful life here in North Alabama today. Significance in life is not
determined by one’s possessions, one’s fame or one’s experience of the world.
The significant life is the Christian life.
I
think of these things when I hear folks talk about “great” people: politicians,
ball players, and all sorts of popular folks. These “great” folks sooner or
later reveal their feet of clay. We all have feet of clay. I am made to think
of the people I know right here who lead truly significant lives of
faithfulness. The world might not consider them consequential, but in so many
ways their steadfast quiet faith makes them better than the famous.
In
the end, a life is not made significant by the things that have become
associated with it. It matters not at all whether we end up in this world rich
or poor. “For riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all
generations.” (Proverbs 27:24). We also remember Probers 30:8-9: “Give me
neither poverty nor riches-Feed me with the food allotted to me: Lest I be full
and deny You, and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’” What will matter in the end, what
will be significant about life, is our relationship with God. What is the
significane of your life?
Unknown
Taken from The Voice of Truth
East Huntsville church of
Christ bulletin
March 3, 2013