Tag Archives: God’s will

A New View of Surrender, Part 2

September 22, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What, why, when, how… to surrender?

It is not easy for us to surrender. It is, therefore, important to understand how surrendering operates in our daily lives. This is where we will begin today.

As we stated earlier in this study, to surrender means to give up power, control, or possession of a thing. For believers, that thing is us! Spiritual surrender is the relinquishing of our will to the will of God. Each day we are tempted by our flesh, the world, and Satan to give up power, control, or possession of our life (1 John 2:15-17). That’s why it is important to be alert and watchful to decisions that lead us to death or to obedience (Romans 6:16).

Why surrender?

This question, for me, was a game changer! To truly understand “why” surrender, it is important to understand what it means to be “filled by the Spirit”. While the definition of “filling” or “indwelling” of the Holy Spirit may vary based on one’s denomination, I will share the most common understanding by theologians.

The filling of the Spirit refers to a continual process of spiritual growth and maturity, where believers are constantly controlled by the Holy Spirit in their mind, emotions, and will. It is not a feeling or emotional experience, but rather the yielding of one’s life to the Lord. The filling of the Spirit empowers us to live the surrendered life.

When to surrender?

At the moment of salvation, we surrender to the Holy Spirit who brings us to repentance (John 16:8). The Holy Spirit regenerates our spirit and we become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:16-17). It is at that time that the Holy Spirit takes permanent residence in our life (1 Corinthians 3:16).

We continue this process of surrender so that we will “act more like Jesus” or “be conformed” to His image (Romans 8:29). This is only possible through our obedience to the Holy Spirit.

How to surrender?

As we stated earlier, the Holy Spirit’s filling is the yielding of our life to the Lord. Key to this definition is the word, yielding. Yielding implies an act of cooperation by us as recipients of the Spirit. Unlike our initial salvation, it is a continual process in our spiritual growth. This is the daily work of surrender (2 Corinthians 3:18).

I offer three “R’s of Surrender” to help us practice this critical element in our Christian walk.

- Repentance. Continually examine our life to identify those things that act as idols and influences. Be brutal in discarding those things that hinder our absolute surrender. (2 Corinthians 13:5-6)
- Realization. Depend wholly on the directions and leanings of the Holy Spirit. Surrender cannot be accomplished by our “good works” or best efforts. It is the work of God. (Luke 18:27)
- Relationship. Understand the will of God by spending time with Him. Prayer, meditation, and His Word are direct paths to surrender. Practice His presence throughout the day. (Psalms 42:1-2)

God blesses when we surrender

To live in the fullness God has planned for our life, it is important that we surrender to God. This means we must give up those things that hinder the Holy Spirit’s work in our life. This includes not only personal sin, but our self-will, self-confidence, and self-effort.

I close with these insightful words from Andrew Murray as to the blessings associated with our surrender to God.

I say again, God will bless you. You have been praying for blessing. But do remember, there must be absolute surrender. At every tea table you see it. Why is tea poured into that cup? Because it is empty and given up for the tea. But put ink, or vinegar, or wine into it, and will they pour the tea into the vessel? And can God fill you, can God bless you if you are not absolutely surrendered to Him? He cannot.[1]

To be filled, we must empty ourselves. We must surrender.

[1] Absolute Surrender, Andrew Murray

Our Faith Walk

The Surrendered Life

September 8, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Living for Christ

In my faith walk, I must constantly remind myself that “I am not my own.” My new life in Christ was purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ (1 Corininthians 6:19-20).

This life brings new responsibility as we share Jesus’ message of reconciliation: Jesus died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. (2 Corinthians 5:15) Living for Christ requires that we live a surrendered life. It is not by accident or happenstance. It is intentional.

Understanding surrender

In his book, Immortal Diamonds, Richard Rohr shares a glimpse into the secret of living a surrendered life through the contemporary example of the Amish.

The Amish people know they are connected to and a part of a much larger divine reality which looks naïve to the rest of us. On the foundation as to what is real and what is passing, they are experts. It also explains their peace, happiness and contentment.

Understanding begins when we seek and prioritize God’s plan for our life. It is in God that we live, breathe, and have our meaning (Acts 17:28). Our worldview is based on the reality of God, the certainties of faith, and the “end game” that leads us to eternity with the Lord (1 John 5:13). The surrendered life begins with denying self and the world. It begins with Jesus as our priority.

Surrender begins with denying

Jesus in His teaching on the cost of discipleship was brutally honest about His expectation of His followers. There was no mincing of words to make the offer more appealing to His listeners. Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24) Jesus’ ministry continues today with us as His disciples. His expectations have not changed.

Deny has two meanings: (1) to affirm that one has no acquaintance or connection with someone and (2) to lose sight of oneself and own interests. Matthew uses the second definition to explain Jesus’ rebuke to would-be disciples unaware of the cost to follow Him.

As we deny our own interest and forsake our past self, we must also reject our love for this world— “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). All these create within us a divided heart which cannot love Jesus well nor surrender to His leading.

The surrendered life

The world, Satan, and our flesh are not big on “denying”. They encourage us to place our desires above the Lord’s. They deceive by whispering, “You can have it your way right now. Jesus can wait another day.” Jesus replies, “I am The Way” (John 14:6) and offers instead His love (John 3:16), salvation (Hebrews 2:10), forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7), freedom (Psalms 146:7), and peace (Colossians 3:15).

The goal of the Christian life can be summed up by Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Such a life of surrender is pleasing to God, results in the greatest human fulfillment, and will reap ultimate rewards in heaven (Luke 6:22-23).[1]

The surrendered life in Christ results in great joy and wisdom. There is great confidence in knowing we have made the best choice by seeking “the Pearl of Great Price” (Matthew 13:46). To give up other offers, by comparison, is a surrender of the lesser.

[1] Got Questions, “What does it mean to surrender to God?”

Our Faith Walk

A Christian’s Guide to Weight Training

June 16, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

How would you rate your physical condition today?

Measuring physical health is a multi-layered process that moves beyond simple metrics like weight. By assessing the five key components of fitness—cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition—in combination with vital signs like blood pressure and cholesterol, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of your well-being.

Whether through advanced clinical testing or accessible at-home methods, regular assessment provides the data needed to make informed decisions about your lifestyle. Remember, these measures are not just numbers, but powerful tools that can guide you toward a healthier, more vibrant life. Focusing on continuous improvement across these areas is the most effective strategy for long-term health.[1]

Even more important than our physical condition is the condition of our spirit. While our physical condition determines our quality and longevity in this life, our spiritual condition has “eternal” consequences.

The Apostle Paul shared with the church at Corinth the importance of being “spiritually fit” (1 Corinthians 9:24-26). This would be critical in navigating the challenges they faced as Christians. For believers today, challenges continue. The 21st century has brought new challenges that affect individuals, communities, nations, and the world as a whole.

So today, we will use the analogy of weight training to share three (3) areas where we can strengthen our daily faith walk and foster spiritual growth.

Upper Body: Doing God’s Will

God is building our “upper body” so we will be able to “do His will.” The “head and heart” is where we are conformed to the image of Christ. Philippians 2:5 admonishes us to “Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.”

Christ was loving (when people were unlovable), obedient (when He was tempted to do otherwise) and steadfast (when Satan tried to distract Him from the cross). He did nothing on His own but only what the Father told Him to do. (John 14:10)

Lower Body: Doing God’s Work

God is building our “lower body” so we will be able to “do His work.” It is time for us to move forward with the individual ministries God has placed in our heart to do. Ephesians 2:10 states, “We are His workmanship created unto good works which He has before ordained that we should walk in.”

We think ministry work is limited to the pulpit and to the preacher. Wrong! Ministry in Greek means service. (Acts 1:17; Ephesians 4:12) We were not saved to “sit” but to “serve.”

Our Core: Trusting God’s Way

God is building our “core” muscles so that we will be able to “trust and believe.” These are key areas we need to work on continuously. We strengthen our core when we learn to wait on the Lord. Isaiah 40: 31states: “They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.” Our ability to wait is foundational to our trust in God.

Our ability to trust is based on our confidence in what or who we believe in. Our belief is influenced by what we know. To build strong core muscles, we must trust and believe in God–His greatness, His goodness and His fidelity.

Begin today

As with any new exercise program, it is important to begin strengthening our spiritual man as soon as possible. Each day we delay, we leave ourselves open to temptation, spiritual weakness and disease (sin).

There will always be excuses, but remember, God’s purpose can only be fulfilled in our lives through our obedience to His Word and our faithful discipline. (1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27). Begin today!

[1] Exploring what are the Measures of Physical Health, October 24, 2025, Welly-A Trusted Health Guide,

Spiritual Maturity

God Speaks Through Circumstances

May 19, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

How are you really?

In our culture, it is not unusual for people to greet one another with the inquiry, “How are you?” In response, a multitude of replies are available but my favorite is, “I doing fairly well under the circumstances.” This is my opportunity to respond, “Why are you under your circumstances and what are you doing to get back on top?”

Circumstances are conditions or facts that affect a situation. These can be either positive or negative. They define a state in which an individual, group, or even a nation may find itself. This week we will explore how God speaks to us through circumstances.

Biblical Examples

There are many biblical examples that illustrate how God used circumstances to speak to His people. Circumstances dictated that Moses would be set adrift in the Nile. It was there that he would be found by the king’s daughter and adopted into the royal household by the ruling Pharaoh (Exodus 2:1-10). God later spoke to Moses after his 40-year circumstance and re-directed him to deliver Israel from bondage.

In the book of Acts, we find God speaking to the early church by using the political and social circumstances around them. Jesus had clearly articulated the scope of the church’s ministry: “and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). While it was within their “comfort zone” to stay in Jerusalem, God spoke through the circumstance of persecution to move the gospel to a larger audience.

Throughout the Bible we find God speaking to people through special favor, through personal loss, or through miraculous deliverance. God spoke to them through their circumstances.

But does God speak today?

God still speaks today through circumstances. He will use conditions and situations from our everyday life to place us in a position to hear His voice. Does God create circumstances to make us do His will? No, God has created us as freewill agents and desires that we choose to live within His divine plan. But God will allow circumstances to flow into our life to accomplish His glory and our good (Romans 8:24).

In addition, to conform us to the image of Christ, God will permit circumstances in our lives that will mature us and grow our faith (1 Peter 1:5-7). What may appear at first to be a “stumbling block” may, in actuality, turn out to be a “stepping stone”. God speaks through closed doors as well as opened doors; through delayed prayers as well as answered ones.

Why does God speak?

As believers proceed in this Christian walk, we must remember that the intent of our life is to glorify God and to accomplish His purpose on earth (2 Corinthians 5:15). That’s why it is important to be intentional in prayer and reading God’s Word especially during difficult and challenging times, regardless of the circumstance (Philippians 4:6-13).

As we develop our personal relationship with God, we will understand that He loves us and can be trusted with every aspect of our life. Then circumstances will not overcome us nor will we live “under them” (1 John 4:4).

Knowing God

God’s Story is Our Story

March 17, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

God’s appointed time

Last week, we introduced two frameworks for interpreting history: biblical and humanist. In humanism, history is the story of what humanity can achieve on its own. The biblical view, in contrast, teaches us that God acts within human history where God reveals Himself through human events. It is God’s story.

In God’s appointed time (kairos) the activities of mankind were fitted into God’s plan. A few examples include the return of Israel from foreign exile (Isaiah 45:1), Jesus Christ’s birth and crucifixion (Genesis 3:15; Daniel 9:26). Humanity established the societal and political means by which God’s will would be realized. Governments were established and practices created that would allow God’s plan to unfold.

Are we continuing to live in God’s kairos time? Looking back, where have we seen God’s imprint on history? Today, is God revealing Himself in the plans of mankind? Looking to the future, is God moving us to another appointed time? The answer to these questions is a resounding, “yes”.

God’s story is the story of the World

The idea that the story of God is the story of the world supports the biblical view that history is not a series of random events, but purposeful. History is viewed as “His-story” with a beginning (Creation) and final conclusion (New Creation). Unlike cyclical views of history where events just repeat, God’s story is headed to a specific goal—restoration of the world and our relationship with God.

The Bible captures God’s story and involvement in the world as He restores what was broken by human rebellion. Below captures the most prevalent explanations.

- Creation: God creates the world and humanity for relationship and for flourishing.
- Fall: Humanity’s rebellion introduced sin, suffering, and brokenness into the entire world.
- Redemption: God initiated a plan to reclaim the world through Jesus Christ.
- Restoration (or New Creation): God restores the world to its original harmony and dwells with His people.

Our role is God’s story

We are the key characters in God’s story. God’s beloved creatures and recipients of His love and grace. Hopefully, understanding God’s story, we will reframe how we view our lives. We begin to understand that life only makes sense when founded on God’s redemptive story.

Instead of focusing on our own independent stories, we will embrace the fact that we are part of a larger story, authored by God the Father. We join God in his mission of restoration and stewardship.

In review of God’s story, we can begin to answer fundamental questions about our personal identity.

Who am I? We are children of God and created in the image of God. (1 John 3:12)
Why am I here? To participate in the building of God’s Kingdom. (1 Corinthians 3:9)
Where am I going? To a better hope and glory with God. (Romans 15:13)

Knowing God’s story can answer persistent questions concerning not only our life but the lives of those around us, including our nation. It also is the entry point for God to provide His power, His provision, and His presence. Understanding God’s story will reduce the fear and anxiety created by living in 21^st century reality.

Knowing God

What is God’s Story?

March 10, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Our View of the World

What is our view of the world today? Where are we headed as a people? How do we respond to the events happening real time in our individual lives, in our communities, and in our world? More importantly, where is God in the mix of all these happenings? With everything that is occurring, we might wonder if God really cares about us. Never doubt, God cares! (Psalm 139:17)

There are those who have a cartoonish view of God and His relationship with His creation. Some see God as “a man viewing an ant in a fishbowl”. He is seen as distant, detached, and disconnected. That may be how we feel as we view the world around us today. But as I stated at the beginning of this teaching, God has a plan.

God’s Plan Unfolding

The Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) orchestrated their plan before the creation of the world. That redemptive plan (Roman 5:2) has been unfolding through the history of mankind and continues even today in the 21^st century. It is by His divine power and grace that we live, and move, and have our meaning (Acts 17:28)

Redemption’s plan is set in the historical context of the world. As chronicled from Genesis to Revelation, God has an eternal plan that restores man’s fellowship with God by the creation of an escape from death’s curse (Romans 5:2) and the rediscovery of the spiritual life. It is God’s plan to bring mankind to Himself (Ephesians 1:7-11) and ultimately to a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1).

Knowing God is sovereign is enough to give us a good hope (2 Thessalonians 2:16). It assures us of our future well-being (Jeremiah 29:11). Why is this important? How is it relevant to us today? As we face the many challenges of life, many times our faith is shaken to the foundation. Understanding God’s plan, we can exchange our fear for bold confidence. (Psalm 20:7)

God’s Plan and History

There are basically three frameworks for interpreting history: biblical (God-centered), humanist (human-centered), and providential (divine-human partnership). For purpose of this teaching, we will focus on biblical and humanist.

In humanism, history is the story of what humanity can achieve on its own. Humanism teaches that history is primarily shaped by human thought, power, and progress. Humanity becomes the center of history.

In contrast, the biblical view, Scripture teaches that God acts within human history. History is not random or purely human driven; it is God revealing Himself through human events. God is active in the movement of human events and history (Acts 17:26-27)

The key differences are listed in the chart below.

HUMANIST VIEW	BIBLICAL VIEW
Humanity writes history	God authors history
Progress comes through human effort	Redemption comes through divine purpose
Religion interprets human experience	God reveals Himself in history
The future depends on human advancement	The future unfolds through God’s kingdom

The biblical or God-centered framework helps to undergird our faith walk and trust in God’s sovereignty. Who better can determine the direction and ultimate outcome of mankind than the Creator and Sustainer of heaven and earth. (Revelation 4:10)

Which STORY will we accept?

What are the foundational beliefs that support our acceptance of God’s plan? We can:

Embrace the sovereignty of God. God is sovereign and the supreme authority over everything in heaven and on earth (Daniel 4:35; Isaiah 46:10)
Accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Through Jesus’ sacrifice we now have access to God’s presence, promises, provision, and protection. (Romans 5:1-5)
Understand historical events and personal struggles as part of “God’s Story”. They are for God’s glory and for the establishment of His kingdom on earth—the New Creation. (2 Peter 3:10-14)

We are not ants in a fishbowl. God loves us unconditionally and His love is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3). As we embrace, accept, and understand God’s story, our faith will be strengthened. Then we will possess the resilience needed to navigate difficult times. We will prevail during the darkest of days because we know there is purpose in what we are experiencing. Better yet, we can prevail because “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble”. (Psalms 46:1-3)

Next week, well share how we fit in God’s Story.

Victorious Living

The Divine Through Time: Why Now?

February 24, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

The Divine through Time

In “God’s Divine Time in History”, we introduced the understanding that God has ordered and designed the environment in which we operate. This includes past, present, and future. All three eventually become “history”.

History is actually “His divine story”—the divine fulfillment of God’s plan in the world. What is that plan and how does it manifest itself in our life is the purpose in this short series entitled, “His Story: The Divine through Time”.

Why now?

It is important to continually reinforce our knowledge of who God is. Knowing God is foundational in securing our trust and our confidence (Psalms 27:1-3). This is especially true during difficult times when fear and doubt challenge our faith. When that happens, we can stand firmly on what we know about God and those things which He has revealed to us.

Those things God reveals can answer persistent questions concerning not only our life but the lives of those around us, including our nation. How we respond to things revealed become the entry point for God to provide His power, His provision, and His presence.

For such a time as this.

This study is important “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) as we face challenges that seem impossible. These challenges over time affect our mental health.[1]

In a nation grappling with polarization and uncertainty, the emotional undercurrents of daily life are becoming harder to ignore. The American Psychological Association’s latest Stress in America™ survey revealed that societal division is a significant stressor for many U.S. adults, suggesting loneliness and emotional disconnection have become a defining feature of life in America. In the survey — conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of APA among more than 3,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older — 62% reported societal division as a significant source of stress in their lives.

Through better understanding God’s purpose and plan for the world and our individual lives, we can reduce the fear and anxiety created by living in 21^st century reality.

It begins with understanding God’s Sovereignty

It is important to understand God’s sovereignty as we begin our study of God’s story through time. By embracing the fact that God is sovereign and the supreme authority over everything in heaven and on earth (Daniel 4:35; Isaiah 46:10), we can better navigate our challenges.

In his book, The Sovereignty of God, A.W. Tozer, pastor, author, and spiritual mentor, cries out for renewed understanding of God’s sovereignty.

Present day conditions call loudly for a new examination and new presentation of God’s omnipotence, God’s sufficiency, God’s sovereignty. From every pulpit in the land it needs to be thundered forth that God still lives, that God still observes, that God still reigns. Faith is now in the crucible; it is being tested by fire, and there is no fixed and sufficient resting-place for the heart and mind but in the throne of God. What is needed now, as never before, is a full, positive, constructive setting forth of the Godhead of God.

Because of God’s sovereignty we can begin to access God’s power and presence. This helps to strengthen our faith and build the personal resilience we need to persevere. The uncertainties and insecurities we experience today can now be transferred to God who is the only one who can do something about them (2 Corinthians 12:9).

[1] Mental health is the component of behavioral health that includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health is a state of well-being that enables us to cope with the stresses of life, realize our abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to our community.

Our Faith Walk

Throwback Wednesday: When Life KEEPS Happening

October 14, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“Life keeps on life-ing!”

Does it seem as though life is getting harder to navigate? Well, guess what? It is!

I understand that “life lived under the sway of sin and Satan”, will continue its path of destruction. “Life keeps on life-ing”; leading to disappointment, pain, and suffering (Galatians 6:7-8).

I know that as long as we live in this fallen world, we will face trials and tribulations (John 16:33). However, as believers, our peace, our confidence, and our expectations can only come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth AND who is aware of everything that we are currently facing (Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13).

With these thoughts in mind, I’d like to share for this Throwback Wednesday, “When Life Happens.” While it was originally written for a personal application of life happenings, it is most appropriate as we formulate our responses to the events happening both locally and nationally.

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.