“Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth." – Colossians 3:2
Overwhelmed. Frustrated. Saddened. Tired. Stressed. Depressed.
Do you realize that these words are used more commonly to describe the state of life in today’s society than words like: Blessed, Calm, Peaceful, Satisfied or Loved. We are living a life based upon the existence of situations we are experience at any given moment. This leaves our interpretation of life at any point to be an artificial, temporal state of mind. Yet, we allow this temporary state of mind to consume us and become our reality.
When I think about work, about finances, about relationships and about my children’s future I immediately become overwhelmed by my inability to handle all of it at one time. This leads to feelings of inadequacy, failure and stress. In my 60+ years on this earth I’ve learned an enormous amount of information on how to deal with different situation’s and circumstances that will come up in life. But, despite my experience in life, the world is demanding more and more in less time.
Consider that in the 1950’s television was just being introduced; and in the 1960’s music became an art as rock and roll drove new freedoms and desire of expression more so than any other medium in the past. The 1970’s introduced the world to drugs and the expression of free-love where every person began focusing completely on their own self-gratification without consideration of what their choices might have on those around them. Through the 1980’s and 1990’s the world underwent a major electronic and communication transformation with the introduction of the personal computer, cell-phone and of course the Internet. Civilization became connected through social media rather than conversation and mankind found it easier to communicate remotely, rather than face to face. With the turn of the millennial clock and the entrance into the 21st century we have accepted that this is normal, and the human connection has been replaced by Tweets, Blogs, Videos, and Snaps.
Do you realize that these words are used more commonly to describe the state of life in today’s society than words like: Blessed, Calm, Peaceful, Satisfied or Loved. We are living a life based upon the existence of situations we are experience at any given moment. This leaves our interpretation of life at any point to be an artificial, temporal state of mind. Yet, we allow this temporary state of mind to consume us and become our reality.
When I think about work, about finances, about relationships and about my children’s future I immediately become overwhelmed by my inability to handle all of it at one time. This leads to feelings of inadequacy, failure and stress. In my 60+ years on this earth I’ve learned an enormous amount of information on how to deal with different situation’s and circumstances that will come up in life. But, despite my experience in life, the world is demanding more and more in less time.
Consider that in the 1950’s television was just being introduced; and in the 1960’s music became an art as rock and roll drove new freedoms and desire of expression more so than any other medium in the past. The 1970’s introduced the world to drugs and the expression of free-love where every person began focusing completely on their own self-gratification without consideration of what their choices might have on those around them. Through the 1980’s and 1990’s the world underwent a major electronic and communication transformation with the introduction of the personal computer, cell-phone and of course the Internet. Civilization became connected through social media rather than conversation and mankind found it easier to communicate remotely, rather than face to face. With the turn of the millennial clock and the entrance into the 21st century we have accepted that this is normal, and the human connection has been replaced by Tweets, Blogs, Videos, and Snaps.
It has taken 75 years from the introduction of the TV to eliminate mankind's ability to socialize and experience life as a community. We have now accepted that each of us are on our own to solve life’s problems. With the acceptance of AI (SIRI, Alexa, Google, etc.) into every home, I hypothesize, we are completely responsible for allowing this world to become as complex, fast paced, overwhelming and time dependent as it is today. Are we better off because of the technology revolution? Seriously. Do you think your life is simpler, more manageable, more peaceful and more complete as a result of the world we have created? By setting our minds on changing the world through technology and self–gratifying ambivalence, I propose we have actually stripped the world of the one thing that held us together. Love.
We are designed, by our Creator, to love one another, to help one another, to build up, strengthen and support one another. We are designed to provide a safe, secure, and spirit filled existence with those that we call our family and friends. Bringing them to a closer relationship with God Almighty has nothing to do with how many likes you have on Instagram or Facebook, or whether your latest tweet was re-tweeted or not. It has to do with action demonstrating His love, His character and His truth in a manner that helps others become stronger in their walk.
The choices we make in life are driven by one of two things:
1) Fulfilling our own desires in the world to present success and accomplishment in life
2) Expanding the Kingdom of God to those around us through our comments, actions and lifestyle.
For 75 years we’ve tried number 1 and I suggest to you that it has been an absolute failure. It’s time for a reset my friends and God has to be at the center of this process, otherwise mankind will destroy any resemblance of His image left on this earth. All I ask is that you think seriously on this and decide if your life is about you or about Him. Be blessed.
