God’s Compassion: A Study in Contrast

September 16, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Our Emotional Response (ER)

We’ve described compassion as a willingness to relieve the suffering of another. With that definition we introduced a series of emotional responses (ERs) to the pain and suffering we experience. The intent was to help us better understand the differences in our emotional response to the anguish and distress of others.

Our ERs can fall on a continuum ranging from pity to compassion. This is summarized below:

As we survey our cities, nation, and the world, we appear to be more jaded in our feelings concerning the plight of others. This cynical view has begun to infiltrate, not only our personal response but has become reflected in our reaction to the growing social issues and “human problems” we face each day. For example, can we honestly say that our education, health, and social systems reflect compassion for the people they are to serve? Are we REALLY our brother’s keeper (Genesis 4:9)?

I wonder what God has to say about our ERs to the conditions of our world. Does God view compassion in the same way we do? How does our view of compassion differs from God’s view.

Will the compassionate people please stand?

How would you describe a compassionate person? Would you describe yourself as compassionate? You may be sometimes and then at other times, not compassionate at all? Why the difference in ER?

The Greater Good of Berkeley University define compassion as a mental state or orientation toward suffering (your own or others) and includes four components:

- Bringing attention or awareness to recognizing that there is suffering (cognitive)
- Feeling emotionally moved by that suffering (affective)
- Wishing there to be relief from that suffering (intentional)
- A readiness to take action to relieve that suffering (motivational)

This explanation does not consider other factors that may also impact our ability to respond with compassion, such as understanding the nature of the situation and the effort required to resolve the situation.

Where’s the compassion?

If we look at Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:31-37), what were the orientations or mental states of the travelers, as described by The Greater Good.

Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise, a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came, and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.

Where did the train go off the rails? The priest “saw”. The Levite “came and looked.” Only the Samaritan moved passed the cognitive response and moved directly to motivational. “The Samaritan came where he was and when he saw him, he had compassion”.

So, he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

More like God

The Hebrew and Greek words sometimes translate “compassion” to have a broader meaning such as “to love” and “to show mercy.” Synonyms for compassion in English are “to be loved by,” “to show concern for,” to be tenderhearted,” and “to act kindly.” Do these words describe you?

Compassion is an inherent part of God’s very being (Exodus 34:6). In the Old Testament, God’s compassion was rooted in His covenant relationship with His people (2 Kings 13:23).

In the New Testament, God’s compassion is demonstrated in His Son’s ministry and among His people. Jesus’ messianic compassion was extended to the helpless crowds (Matthew 9:36), the sickly masses (Matthew 14:24), the hungry people (Mark 8:2), the demon possessed (Mark 5:90), the unclean lepers (Luke 5:12-16), and to all in need of “love and mercy” (Isaiah 61:1-3).

In our generation, Jesus has extended compassion to each of us—the hopeless sinner (Romans 5:8). While compassion is not a uniquely Christian response to suffering (Luke 10:33), Christians have unique reasons for nurturing our compassionate disposition. God compassionately and truly cares what happens to us. Developing a more compassionate disposition is critical as we navigate 21^st century living.

Victorious Living

Have a Heart!

September 2, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Here’s how it all began

A businessman was called away to attend a critical meeting in a neighboring city. Because it was not very far away, he decided to drive versus fly. As often is the case in car travel, he decided to stop at a familiar rest area along the way. Unfortunately, during that stop, he was robbed and brutally beaten while exiting his car.

As he laid on the concrete, two travelers like himself stopped, but when they noticed him bleeding on the ground, retreated back into their cars and quickly drove away. Finally, a traveler pulled alongside him and seeing his situation, came to his aid. This last traveler loaded the businessman into his car and took him to the nearest hospital.

Does this story sound familiar? This is my 21st century version of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37. The context for Jesus’ teaching was the question posed to Him concerning loving others and defining who is one’s neighbor? Who are we to love or have a heart for?

I will use this familiar text to begin our discussion on compassion. What is compassion and why is it important for us to express it to others?

What’s it all about?

Dr. Luke’s story, sad to say, is not unfamiliar in our society today. We’ve heard stories about crowds who witnessed harm to another person right in front of them but chose to turn their head or back on the situation.

On a broader scope, we see social injustices and human needs accelerate in our cities. Homelessness, food insecurities, and economic disparities, are all too familiar examples of where society has figuratively, turned their back. Why? What are we missing? Do we have a heart? Where is our compassion?

Compassion by any other name

There is much confusion as to the difference between pity, empathy, sympathy, and compassion. Perhaps because we tend to use these nouns to describe our reaction to pain and suffering. While these words are close cousins, they are not, however, synonymous with one another.

While there are broader details around the meaning of these emotions, I will try to be as simple as I can, for the purpose of this teaching.

- Pity. We acknowledge a person’s suffering. “I really feel sorry for those who loss their life in the earthquake.”
- Empathy. We understand what the person is feeling. “I felt the same way when I loss my job.”
- Sympathy. We feel what a person is feeling. “I was also harassed during high school.”
- Compassion. We are willing to relieve the suffering of another. “I will help you end your pain.”

Authors studying these emotions, find that placing them on a continuum helps us better understand their differences including the key factors that affect our response to human suffering and pain, i.e., effort, understanding, and engagement.

Compassion is the feeling of sorrow or pity excited by the suffering or misfortunes of another.

Compassion is made up of two words: “com” which means with or together; “pati” which means to suffer. Together one suffers with another.

What’s our response?

When we view the misfortune of others on social media, are we moved to sorrow or pity? As we look at famines and wars in countries thousands of miles from us, what is our emotional response? Sympathy? Does your response change, based on the specific situation or person? What moves us from pity to compassion?

I close with a few quotes on compassion to help us understand it is needed more than ever for what afflicts us in the 21^st century. What does it take for us to have a heart?

True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I would rather make mistakes in kindness and compassion than work miracles in unkindness and hardness. Mother Teresa

When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection or compassionate action. Daniel Goleman

Compassion is an action word with no boundaries. Prince

The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. Psalm 111:4

Knowing God

Passionately Seeking God: A Turtle’s Story

August 19, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

I am a turtle!

One of the things you may not know about me is that I love turtles. Turtles! Terrapins! Whatever the correct nomenclature…I love them. As a child, I had miniature turtles as pets.

Later I began to collect turtles in all forms: jewelry, hats, clocks, foot stools. And yes, I even have a turtle hand puppet. In my younger years, I showed my commitment to turtles by joining the International Association of Turtles. Are you a turtle?

Funny thing happened when my husband and I moved into our new home. People started giving us live turtles. The Hamilton turtles live in our fenced backyard and spend every spring-summer season with us. All of them are different in size, age, color, and yes, personality. They are so funny to watch.

But guess what I discovered? They watch us, too! From my kitchen window, I can see them in the yard, staring up toward the house waiting for the light to come on. When I go to the lower lanai, I see Big Mama (the oldest) positioned, so I can see her when I turn on the fountain. They love the sound of the water, another indication that the Hamilton’s are awake and moving.

WIFM (What’s in it for me?)

So why do my turtles watch us so intently? They know that when I see them, I will quickly respond with lettuce, tomatoes, and even strawberries (which they love). If we’re inside, they will even come to the screen door, as if to say, “Hey, it’s feeding time.” I love our nutty little turtles and want to reward them for their diligence, and their perseverance in watching me.

Why am I sharing my turtle story with you? In my quiet time, I meditated on this question, “Do I seek God with the same diligence as my turtles seek me? Am I watchful, early in the morning and throughout the day, to see if I’m best positioned to be seen by Jesus? Do I create opportunities in my busy day to rest in Him?” This includes moments of silence and solitude.

In all fairness, turtles don’t operate with the distractions of the world like we do. They are always “present in the moment”—that moment that will result in a special treat for the day. You see, the turtles are not dependent on me for food. They eat what is available to them in their natural environment. However, they have found in my banquet of lettuce and strawberries something “worth seeking”.

So, it is with our time with Jesus. It is something so special that it would be a tragedy to miss it. While it is important to include spiritual disciplines in our daily routine, there is nothing to compare with experiencing personal time with Him. He offers Himself to feast upon.

We Seek the Lord

God’s presence and provision is fully realized in Jesus, “in whom we live, breathe, and have our meaning.” (Acts 17:28)

We may attempt to meet our desires through pursuit of unhealthy BEEPS.[1] However, lasting satisfaction cannot (and will not) be attained by pursuing them. Only our continual relationship with the Lord can satisfy (Philippians 3:7-8).

Our self-directed pursuits may offer us temporary quenching of our needs, but God has placed “eternity in our hearts” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Nothing else will satisfy. It is God alone, whom we must seek, relentlessly. Diligently watching for His appearance. Eagerly anticipating His presence.

The writer of Psalm 42:1 describes his longing for the Lord this way. As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, So my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God. (Amplified)[2]

St. Augustine, renowned theologian, prolific writer and preacher, had this to say about seeking God. “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” This quote summarizes his core belief that humanity’s inherent desire for happiness and fulfillment can only be truly satisfied by God.

“We’ll be back!”

In late September, the Hamilton turtles will begin to prepare for their winter hibernation. They will burrow into the ground and bid us a “fair thee well”. No need for lettuce, tomatoes, or strawberries, until next year.

However, as followers of Christ, we have the unique pleasure of practicing the presence of Jesus every moment of each day. With the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can engage in conversations throughout the day and during our daily rhythm (John 14:23).

God is always there, waiting for us to look up and “see Him”. And when we do, the Lord will reward us with everything we need for our journey: joy, peace, hope, love, and even an occasional strawberry. 🙂

[1] According to therapist Robert Khouri, BEEPS is an acronym that describes what our attachment system in the brain might attach to instead of healthy, joyful relationships, especially in the context of trauma and addiction. BEEPS stands for: Behaviors, Events, Experiences, People, Substances. BEEPS substitutes for secure attachment that individuals might turn to when they’ve experienced relational trauma or disruption in their early lives.

[2] The Hebrew word translated “soul” in this psalm and elsewhere in the book of Psalms is nephesh. This word usually refers to a person’s “life” or “self”.

Spiritual Guidance

Navigating Life with Truth and Spiritual Discernment

August 5, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

In search of truth

Can we agree that truth is important? But how do we handle the growth in mis-, dis-, and counter-information we receive daily? Because of these increases, individuals, communities and institutions have become more strategic in response to these truth crushers.

These strategies include educational campaigns that recognize unreliable sources and the creation of fact-checking organizations. Social media companies and technology platforms have implemented partnerships that identify misleading and harmful content.

Individual strategies include unfollowing or blocking habitual spreaders of falsehood, fact-checking, and withdrawing from platforms with disinformation. Despite all these efforts, unfortunately, people tend to trust misinformation that aligns with their beliefs.

If truth is ultimately found, how do we use it, especially in our faith walk? Truth is best used in practicing spiritual discernment.

What is spiritual discernment?

Discernment involves the process of keen insight and good judgment. People express discernment about things that are important to them. For example, if you are watching your weight, you will be very discerning about the food you select and its preparation. If you need legal advice, you will exercise great discernment in the selection of the best lawyer to assist you. In similar manner, spiritual discernment helps believers “judge well”.

Spiritual discernment encompasses separating divine truth from error. This is a difficult task as we are torn between the world’s influence, our human flesh, and Satan’s deception. First Thessalonians 5:21 advises us to “Test all things; hold fast to what is good.” The world has told us there is no such thing as “good”—no standard of right or wrong; it is all relative, based on each person’s unique situation.

Spiritual discernment, however, depends on truth. It is the God-given ability to perceive, understand, and judge what is true, right, and aligned with God’s will. It does not rely on personal feelings, cultural trends, or partial knowledge. Spiritual discernment without truth leads to confusion, error, and deception (Hebrews 5:14)

Our source of spiritual discernment

First and foremost, as believers, we accept God’s Word as the ultimate source of truth. It is our spiritual “warning system” for detecting error. It is the perfect standard by which we distinguish right from wrong. Spiritual discernment is sharpened through deep knowledge of Scripture. Without truth from the Word, spiritual discernment becomes subjective or distorted.

- For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

- The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. (Psalm 119:160)

Secondarily, The Holy Spirit, living within us, is the Truth Discerner, who will lead us into all truth. He knows the mind of God and will direct us based on God’s purpose and plan for our life.

- But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13)

- So, I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16)

Spiritual discernment is a Spirit-empowered ability to apply truth to every life situation and decision we make.

A Closing Warning

The Apostle Paul warned Timothy in 67 C.E. that the time would come “when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable].” (2 Timothy 4:3-4, Amplified)

God has given us His Word and His Spirit to guide us in all wisdom and knowledge, that we may live righteous and holy lives (2 Peter 1:3-4). If we seek only to be “healthy, wealthy, and wise”, we will not be spiritually discerning. It is our responsibility as children of light (Ephesians 5:8) and defenders of truth (1 Peter 3:15) to embrace and cultivate spiritual discernment. Spiritual discernment is critical for navigating 21^st century living.

Spiritual Endurance

The Spirit of Truth for the 21st Century

July 22, 2025 ITWMinistries

Truth’s Beginning

In our family, the truth was highly valued. It was critical to raising children and instilling one of the most important measurement of one’s character.

We were told to tell the truth even if it meant punishment. Why? Because we truly believed that a lie, which would ultimately be discovered, carried grave consequences. Guess what? Lies still carry grave consequences especially in the 21st century when truth is not valued.

Truth Warning

John F. Kennedy, the thirty-fifth President of the USA, shared the following observation about truth.

The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie — deliberate, contrived, and dishonest — but the myth — persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic.

What are the myths we are embracing today? In our personal lives, in our families, in our nation. What are the persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic myths we are “choosing” to include in our belief systems and personal views?

The Apostle Paul warned his young minister Timothy of the dangers that await him as new converts would “turn away their ears from the truth, and be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:4).

Truth today is often packaged in many forms. Many are more speculation and creative editorializing, than substantive truth. Because of this trend, it is important that believers have a “real-time” reliable and trustworthy compass by which to navigate in this world. While our primary guide is the Word of God, as we discussed last week, God has also provided another source—the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth.

The Source of Truth

Earlier we defined truth as that which agrees with reality. For the believer, our reality has been defined by what God has placed in His written Word.

For Jesus’ disciples, however, there was no written Word as they faced a hostile world without the presence of their Beloved Jesus (John 15:18-20). It was Jesus’ presence that gave them the courage to challenge the spiritual tyranny of the religious leaders. They would need God’s truth as they turned their focus to witnessing (Acts 1:8), baptizing and teaching (Matt. 28:19-20).

In John 14:16-16, Jesus promises to send the Spirit of Truth that would abide with them forever. It was the Holy Spirit Who would now come to live within them. We generally think of the Holy Spirit in terms of gifting or empowering believers to accomplish the purposes and ministries of Christ. However, the attribute Jesus chose to share with His disciples in John’s text focused on “truth”. It would be the Spirit of Truth that would assist the disciples as they were persecuted for their belief in Jesus Christ.

The Spirit of Truth-Yesterday, Today, and Forever

The Spirit of Truth would assist the disciples in accomplishing the “greater works” promised by Jesus (John 14:12). Jesus was indeed “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”. After Jesus’ departure, the ministry of truth would continue because the Spirit of Truth.

Like the disciples of the first century, believers in the 21^st century have the assistance of the Spirit of Truth to assist them especially in exposing the spirit of error. The spirit of error is seen in the morays and life styles of the world. For unbelievers, it leads them to be deceived and disobedient to the purposes of God in their life (Ep. 2:2).

For the believer, the spirit of error tempts them to doubt God truth and draw them away from the leading of the Holy Spirit (2 Thess. 2:15). The Spirit of Truth stands ready to silence the lies, myths and fables of the 21^st century. Our confidence lies in the promise, power, and presence of the Spirit of Truth. He is our True Compass as we search for truth.

Spiritual Endurance

Can We Handle 21st Century Truth?

July 15, 2025 ITWMinistries

“…and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

John 8: 31-32 (NRSV)

Can we handle the truth?

Especially when that truth is measured against the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ. To walk in biblical truth while living in a postmodern world will be a major challenge for believers as we attempt to navigate 21st century living.

But can we handle it? Behind the news bytes and sound bits, there is a deliberate movement underway to redefine what truth is and what it isn’t. This is nothing new. This inclination to “repackage” the truth comes directly from the father of lies, Satan himself (John 8:44). We must be careful how we define truth, or we too may fall prey to the subtlety of deception. “Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1)

What is truth?

Truth is defined as that which agrees with reality. It is typically ascribed to things that aim to represent reality or otherwise correspond to it, such as beliefs, propositions, and declarative sentences.

True statements are usually held to be the opposite of false statements. The concept of truth is discussed and debated in various contexts, including philosophy, art, theology, law, and science. Most human activities depend upon the concept, where its nature as a concept is assumed rather than being a subject of discussion, including journalism and everyday life. In metaphysics and philosophy of language, the correspondence theory of truth states that the truth or falsity of a statement is determined only by how it relates to the world and whether it accurately describes (i.e., corresponds with) that world.[1]

Truth redefined

In the 21st century there is little understanding or agreement as to what truth really is. As defined in the postmodern world, absolute truth does not exist. Supporters of this worldview deny long-held beliefs and conventions. They maintain that all viewpoints are equally valid. Other factors also have affected our view of truth.

Political posturing and social jockeying have taken the pursuit of truth to new levels. Individuals and organizations utilize misinformation (the unintended sharing of false information) and disinformation (the deliberate creation and sharing of information known to be false) to influence advocacy and individual agendas. Even institutions once deemed guardians of truth—media, government, business, and non-governmental organizations—are now viewed suspiciously.[2]

In decades past, we depended on the media to communicate the “truth” regarding specific issues of the day. Newspapers, magazine publications and newscasters were committed to operating at the highest ethical standards. Truth is now shaped by social media and image consultants—by the number of “likes”, “retweets” and “followers” one can amass.

We once trusted our leaders, civic or religious, to offer truth. But over time confidence has eroded. Truth is shaped or “redesigned” along political lines, personal agendas, and social bias. This leaves us still “in search for truth”.

The Believer’s Truth

For we believers, our truth and reality are grounded in God. That reality began in the Garden of Eden. Created in God’s image, our purpose and destiny are tied to our identity in Him through Christ (Colossians 3:3). This reality was sidetracked by sin and replaced with Satan’s counterfeit that placed self on the throne where only Christ was to be seated and exalted.

Because of Jesus’ atoning work on the Cross, we affirm our faith and acknowledge that we have died to our old sin nature (Galatians 5:24) and walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). We no longer follow the worldview. Its influence was negated by the Blood. Our meaning and reality are now realigned with God (2 Corinthians 5:15). “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

More than ever before, believers must connect with the only True Source of Truth, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (John 14:6). God’s Word and the Spirit of Truth stand ready to silence the lies, myths and fables we might hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4). God is the only source of truth for 21^st century living. Can we handle that truth?

[1] Wikipedia

[2] The 2020 Edelman Trust Barometer Global Report

Our Faith Walk

Independence Day 2025

July 1, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Remember our roots

June 11, 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed the Committee of Five, to author the Declaration of Independence. This Declaration was unanimously ratified on July 4^th by the delegates representing the Thirteen Colonies in the colonial capital of Philadelphia. It was designed to end England’s oppressive tyranny, cruelty, and abusive rule.

This week, we will celebrate the 249^th anniversary of that occasion. As we commemorate this event, let us not forget the decades of work and thousands of lives sacrificed to ensure our freedom is protected.

In that same spirit, let us renew our belief and allegiance to God who has made this possible. This is expressed through the official motto of our nation, In God We Trust. This Wordbytes is written for our personal reflection and prayer in celebration of this momentous event.

Do we still believe?

As we celebrate Independence Day 2025, do we still believe and trust in God? If we were called before a judge, would there be sufficient evidence in our current world to support our belief? Do we honor the teachings of Jesus Christ regarding love for others (even our enemies)? Do we express “actionable” compassion by helping those in need: the poor, the disenfranchised, and the marginalized? Or are we only trusting in God to provide OUR family with health, wealth, and influence?

Freedom from what?

Our nation is under attack. Not from a foreign power or national threat. It doesn’t require Homeland Security. It requires healing. A healing that can only be secured by Jesus Christ. In 400 B.C.E., the writer of the Old Testament book of Chronicles observed his nation in social and moral decline. A nation that failed to put their trust in God. Much like our world today. The chronicler asked God for relief from their situation. God offered this remedy (2 Chronicles 7:14, Amplified).

If My people, who are called by My Name, humble themselves, and pray and seek (crave, require as a necessity) My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear [them] from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land.

What should we do?

So how do we show our belief and trust in God in this polarized and divisive world we live in. The prophet Micah offers this answer (Micah 6:8, Amplified).

He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion),
And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness].

This year as we celebrate Independence Day, let us take a moment to pray for our nation. Pray that we will return to the Lord and obediently surrender to His plan for our nation. Let us show the world, that Independence Day 2025, we will trust and serve God. Then, we will have a real reason to celebrate.

Spiritual Maturity

Livin’ my Best Life: Best Life Recapitulated

June 24, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Recapitulated—What have we learned?

Recapitulate means to summarize and state again the main point.

These past few weeks we’ve been attempting to define what “best life” looks like. We began by evaluating best life from a worldview. In fairness to this overall process, we also considered the biblical perspective. Before moving forward, a decision was needed as to which view believers were to follow.

It was at this point that a decision was needed. Believers must draw a spiritual dividing line in order to insure that the influence of the flesh and the world cannot remove our distinctive difference.

Using the Bible as the final authority on what we embrace and follow in our lives, believers are to follow God’s definition of best life based on our new life and new allegiance to God (2 Cor. 5:15-17). We are also to focus on eternal things and “life outcomes” that are god-honoring.

Time to Decide

Based on what we have learned, there are two questions that may help us finalize our description of best life.

The first question was asked and answered last week: “What does God say about best life?”

The second question is this. Of the two views (worldview and biblical view), which one is more likely to satisfy the longing that we may have? Self-directed or Christ-directed?

If we reach self-actualization in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, are we guaranteed that we will be content and fulfilled? Those we see as “having it all” still deal with dissatisfaction in their life. Self-actualization may not give all it promises as evidenced by the incidents of depression, substance abuse, and suicide among great artists, celebrities, and business moguls.

For those of us who identified with the things people wanted in life, the question is the same. Does possession of any or all those items on the “wish list” guarantee contentment? Remember there was only one tangible item on the list—money. The rest were intangibles—unable to be touched or grasped but understood or felt in the heart.

Let’s find a Best Life SME (Subject Matter Expert)

At this point, what might be helpful would be to interview someone who had not only pursued best life but also attained it. They had reached self-actualization and the one tangible (money) on the “10 Most Wanted” list.

In addition, this person should be familiar with “spiritual” options. Let me introduce our special SME, King Solomon, the king of the United Kingdom of Israel.

Solomon was a fabulously wealthy and sensible king of the United Kingdom of Israel who succeeded his father, King David. Solomon was the biblical king most famous for his wisdom. God granted Solomon not only wisdom but also great wealth and fame because he did not ask for self-serving rewards. (1 Kings 3:7-14).

Solomon authored the book of Ecclesiastes, in which, he built the case to show that the pursuits of this world are vanity. “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecc. 1:2). Vanity in this context is the quality of being worthless or futile. Ecclesiastes is located with the other wisdom literature of the Old Testament.

Chapter after chapter, Solomon (“The Preacher” as he identifies himself) presents the case that the vanities of this world are insufficient to make us happy. He contrasts the vileness of sin, and its certain tendency to make us miserable, with the wisdom of being religious (godly and god-honoring). Our well-being and satisfaction are only possible through our allegiance to God and our love for man.

In closing, Solomon, by way of exhortation, directs his readers (and us 21^st century believers) to remember our Creator, to fear Him, and to keep His commandments. Solomon gives no recommendation to pursue best life.

Conclusion

God alone can satisfy our hierarchy of needs—basic, psychological, and self-fulfilling. God is our Jehovah-Jireh (Gen. 22:14). Our intangible desires are readily available through God’s Spirit (Gal. 5: 22-23).

King Solomon, the Apostle Paul, and more importantly, Jesus have given us the essence of what best life looks like. It is not a list of “dos and don’ts” but a standard of life.

Livin’ our best life is…

- a life style that acknowledges the reality of God. God is the Creator and Source of all life who has been uniquely made known to us through His Son Jesus Christ. We live confidently in the reality of His presence, His power, and His provision. (Acts 17:28)

- a life choice that recognizes the authority of God in our life. God’s will and purpose for our lives is revealed in His Word and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We choose to trust in the goodness and greatness of God to direct our life’s journey. (Gal. 2:20)

- a life vocation that commits to the purpose God has chosen for us. We are persuaded that the Kingdom of God has arrived in the coming of Jesus Christ and is imminent in Jesus’ return. We, therefore, focus our energies on doing those things that honors and glorifies God. (Phil. 3:12-14)

Livin’ our best life can only be realized through a relationship with God and in Christ Jesus. Through this relationship, we have all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3-4) and blessings that exceed our expectations (Ep. 1: 3-14). Therefore, in Christ, we are livin’ our best life.

Spiritual Maturity

Livin’ my Best Life: The Answer for Best Life

June 17, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Options for best life

The 21st century offers many options for our lives. That is why it is important that we, as believers, discern what voice we “actively” listen to. This is especially true when it comes to determining what living our best life should look like.

In our series, we determined that some individuals make their choice based on who they are and what’s important to them. Last week we attempted to identify what best life looks like. We determined that the essence of best life can be based on our human needs and things we most desire.

So, what is the answer for best life! I concluded last week’s teaching with a statement that will help to set the context for best life for believers in the 21^st century. Which choice most accurately represents “best life for us”? For believers, we are to go to The Source, Who is to be the final authority on everything we do (or it should be). That authority is God and His Word. It is now time to consider the number one question, “what does God say about best life.”

The Dividing Line

The believer’s life is to look vastly different from the world we live in. We are to seriously demonstrate and witness to our new life in Christ. That being the case, our best life should reflect a life lived for Christ.

The Barna Institute reports the increasing difficulty in distinguishing believers from the unsaved world. Unfortunately, we are not seen as living any differently than our unsaved family, friends, and acquaintances. We have basically lost our saltiness and our light (Matt. 5:13-16).

This lack of distinction could be attributed to a number of factors including fear of abuse, lack of spiritual discipling, or spiritual immaturity. Some believers have even walked away from the traditional Church because of personal wounding or disillusionment with leadership. What the future Church looks like, especially after COVID-19, is yet to be determined.

However, the imperfect nature of the Church does not negate the expectation that God has for His people. We are to continually examine ourselves to insure we are living a life of faith under the direction of Jesus’ Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:10). What does best life look like for believers?

Caution

Jesus shared what best life “was not” in the Sermon on the Mount Discourse. He gives a command that will provide us a framework for identifying what best life looks like. Jesus begins with his first instruction (Matt. 6:19-21).

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Jesus closes with this requirement (Matt. 6:33).

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

The verb “seek” is an imperative in the Greek language. An imperative expresses a command to the hearer to perform a certain action by the order and authority of the one commanding. What Jesus gives is not a casual invitation but an absolute command requiring full obedience. “All these things” lovingly includes not only our needs but also the desires of our heart (Ps. 37:4).

Jesus knows we have needs. It is His desire that we not worry nor become preoccupied with possession of things. By faith we know that we will be cared for. Focusing on Christ lessens our anxieties as we attempt to live during these uncertain times (Phil. 4:6-7).

Moving to best life

The Apostle Paul further clarified Jesus’ teaching to the church at Colosse. He pointed them to how to find best life (Col. 3:1-2).

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Seek and set are also verbs that are in the imperative. As with Jesus’ use in Matthew, it expresses a command to the hearer to perform a certain action. It is not an invitation. Both verbs are in the present tense which means it is a fact or reality occurring in actual time. Therefore, we are commanded to keep seeking and keep setting our attention. Where?

Notice the place where the “things and the affections” are found. They are not on this earth but in heaven. This directs our attention to those things that have eternal value and heavenly consequences. Unfortunately, 21st century technology has created vehicles to capture the lusts of our flesh, our eye, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). We are continually bombarded with marketing messages and media that focus our attention on what we don’t have versus what is of greater value to the kingdom of God.

In the remainder of Colossians 3, Paul maps out the essence of best life for Christians. Best life for Christians is life lived in Coram Deo. Coram Deo summarizes the idea that Christian living is lived in the presence of, under the authority of, to the honor and glory of God.

We will conclude this study next week as we decide what best life looks like for each of us.

Spiritual Maturity

Livin’ my Best Life: What is best for me?

June 10, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What’s best life for me?

In this series, we’ve seen what best life looks like for a variety of people. It is evident, at this point, that best life looks differently to others based on who they are and what is important to them.

For some, best life means the ability to “give back” to the world. For others it’s about being authentic and true to their beliefs. And to many, it is simply a whimsical phrase similar to that used by the meerkat, Timon in Lion King: “Hakuna Matata” or “no worries”.

We’ve examined the views of others in hopes that it will assist us as we attempt to formulate what best life looks like for each of us. Now it’s time to begin forming our own definition.

What are we looking for?

I think we can all agree that best life is purely subjective. Because of that, it is difficult and would be presumptuous for me to define best life for individuals. Instead, I’d like to offer a way to begin to capture the essence of best life.

The essence of best life could be summarized using two perspectives: (1) what are people’s basic needs, and (2) what are the things people want in life but can’t seem to get? In answering these questions, we might begin to decide what our best life might look like.

What do we need?

What are people’s basic needs? Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is used to study how humans are motivated by defining their basic needs. Maslow used the terms “physiological”, “safety”, “belonging and love”, “social needs” or “esteem”, and “self-actualization” to describe the pattern through which human motivations generally move.

Perhaps best life includes those things that address people’s needs. Best life for a homeless person would be found in the physiological category. Food security, clean water, and shelter would be as good as it gets. For the person experiencing isolation due to any number of factors, being accepted and belonging is the best life they could imagine.

What do we want?

What are the things people want in life but can’t seem to get? The Huffington Post asked that question and the answer resulted in ten items. The key question this survey probed was this: “If you could say in one word what you want more of in life, what would that be?”

Happiness
Money
Freedom
Peace
Joy
Balance
Fulfillment
Confidence
Stability
Passion

In review of this list, it is surprising to note that of the ten items, there is only one that is tangible. The remaining nine are intangible. Something intangible can’t be touched physically, but most of the time it is understandable or even felt in the heart. In accounting, an intangible asset is something that provides long-term benefit.

It is important to know that this survey was completed prior to the COVID pandemic. However, I’m sure the answers are still very relevant today. Please note what people see as the “biggest challenge” to getting what they want. Perhaps these “unmet needs” could be added to the list that may represent best life.

Basic needs or intangible wants? Which most accurately represents “best life”? Especially for me. To this point, our examination has considered the world’s view of best life. It’s now time to consider what God has to say.