What Are You Living For?

This summer I turned 55 years old and I am keenly aware of the fact that I'm in the midst of "middle age." However, I am very grateful to be alive since the last year brought me 2 separate incidents that could have been fatal. I'm also aware that many dreams I had in my 20's and 30's are now fulfilled. But there are many things that characterize my life now that I never imagined.

Life takes some strange twists at times and we never really know where we'll end up! All of this reflection has caused me to think about the question, "What am I really living for?"

As human beings we seem to live for 3 major pursuits. (In fact, 1 John 2:16 sums up my observation - but I'll share that in a minute!) The 3 things I see people (and at times myself) pursuing are:

1. Physical Pleasures (comfort, food, sex, recreation, etc.)
2. Material Pleasures (toys, possessions, wealth, etc.)
3. Emotional Gratification (recognition, power, acceptance, control, etc.)

Now I do not believe that any of these things are wrong in and of themselves. I think we should all enjoy these pleasures in the proper time and place. The problem comes when these things become idols or "gods" in our lives. Because, the truth is, all of these pursuits will eventually (or repeatedly) leave you disappointed!

When we do not get what we want in these 3 major it's easy to find ourselves slipping into pity-parties and poor-me sessions. It's easy to slip into anger and irritability. It's easy to slip into fear and anxiety, or even depression. All of this eventually has a destructive effect on our most important relationships!

After reflecting on this my mind went to 1 John 2:15-16 which sums it nicely,

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world — the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does — comes not from the Father but from the world.

There you have it: physical cravings, material lust, and emotional promotion. At middle age I realize more than ever that these things are passing away - they do not last! So what are we left with? What do we live for?

Three different themes are coming into focus for me now:  eternity, legacy, and impact. I'll share more about these reflections in my next post! What do you think about what I've shared so far?