Strive for the Prize

Shalam, Brothers and Sisters

I pray that all is well with you and hope that you are striving to grow in the faith of our Lord Yahawashi, the Christ; who is the Son of God.

As we move forward towards the day of Christ, it is most critical that we examine the state of our hearts in order to make our calling and election in Christ sure. (2 Peter 1:10) It is easy to become enthralled in the philosophy and teachings of the modern mind, which primarily focuses on the attainment of gain and advancement. The drive behind this philosophy is to achieve self-actualization or the point of reaching one's human potential in any endeavor. On the surface, this seems harmless and even good for one to pursue continued advancement in life. However, this mindset leads to a life of discontentment because once a goal is achieved another goal must be set. A pattern develops of setting new goal after new goal with no lasting comfort from reaching any one goal. One never truly comes to a point of contentment. In the end, the focus of our hearts shifts from seeking God's will to seeking our own will, which can never lead to true contentment.

How can we guard ourselves from this mindset of discontent? We must renew our minds and not take on the mindset of this world. (Romans 12:2) This new mind can only be formed through the Word of God, as written in the holy scriptures. Through constant reading, deep reflection, application of the word, and by the power and grace of God's Holy Spirit, the Bible is able to change our very souls, give life promoting wisdom, bring true joy to the mind, and illuminate the heart. God's Word is perfect, sure, right, and completely true. (Psalm 19: 7-9) It is through the word of God that true change occurs in the hearts of men. This change leads to genuine satisfaction and contentment in life. The understanding then, is that true contentment is achieved through the pursuit of godliness, which is great gain. (1 Tim 6:6 )

The modern mind will counter this idea of contentment as mediocrity. How can one be content with just the teachings from the Bible? Many think there is more to be learned in the sciences and natural world. Many claim that human knowledge brings change and advancement and should be pursued continually as if gain would lead to contentment. However, striving for more and more human accomplishments leads to nothing in the end. Jesus said in Matthew 16:26, what profit is there if a man gains the whole world but loses his own soul? The things of this world and all human accomplishments will pass away only those that do the will of God shall abide forever. (1 John 2:16-17) A heart or mind that is set on the things of God transcends mediocrity. He that does the will of God actually strives for something more excellent than he who strives for worldly gain. Those who hold to this world and it's beliefs, saying God is not enough, obtain a corruptible crown that leads only to discontentment, emptiness, and hopelessness because this life fades away (1 Cor. 9:25) The believer, through discipline and self-control in the Word of God, seeks the attainment of the incorruptible crown of immortality through Christ resulting in true contentment and joy in life. (James 1:12) Let us then, who hold to the hope in Christ and those whose hearts have been pricked by these words, choose that which brings true contentment and life: the Word of God. (Isaiah 8:20)

May God bless you and keep you till we meet again,

Zarach