Certainties

Some wag said, “The only thing in life that is certain is that nothing is certain.”

Really?

Here are three things about which I feel certain …

Life is a gift from God to be
treasured and enjoyed.

“Can I help you find something?”

“Yes, thank you. I need a carton of kindness, a package of peace, a sack of self-control … and which aisle is gentleness on?”

We don’t find these on Walmart’s shelves.

But they are God’s gift to us if we want them … “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23).

A fat wallet isn’t synonymous with a rich life; cup-running-over life comes from qualities that money can’t buy—a gift from God, custom-made for each of his children. He “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Tim. 6:17).

“I came to give life—life in all its fullness” (Jn. 10:10 NCV).

Friends are a gift from God to be
treasured and enjoyed.

No birth certificate is issued when a friendship is born. But when it comes into being life takes on new meaning: pleasure is increased; pain is diminished; life is enriched.

Our friends are always there for us, even though we may be separated by miles.

They accept us as we are—unconditionally.

Their opinion is biased in our favor. When they hear good things about us, they believe them; when they hear bad things, they don’t.

They delight in our victories and grieve over our defeats. They share our song and our sorrow, our life and our load.

They encourage us, affirm us, believe in us, care about us, love us.

But never judge us.

“A friend loves at all times …” (Prov. 17:17).

Sisters and brothers in Christ are a gift from God
to be treasured and enjoyed.

Today’s paper serves up a glut of publicity for some big name politicians … not one of which I have a hankering to hang out with.

I enjoy watching sports, but have no itch to hobnob with jocks that get buckets of bucks for their flair on gridiron, diamond, or hardwood; nor any desire for their autographs.

I appreciate talent, but can’t think of a single star of stage or cinema that I have a thirst to meet.

The big enchiladas don’t light my fire.

It’s being with brothers and sisters in Christ that sparks fire in my spirit. I wouldn’t swap my perch on their pew for a front-row seat at the Oscars.

“As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight” (Ps. 16:3 ESV).

 

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