Tag Archives: spiritual maturity

Our Search for Truth

May 26, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Truth by whose reality?

What is truth? Truth is defined by Webster as that which agrees with reality. But whose reality do we, as believers, adhere to? With all the political rhetoric, contentious debates, and social bantering, we need truth. Behind the social messaging, news bytes and sound bits, is the world we live in redefining “what truth is and what it isn’t”.

What’s your truth source?

In decades past, people could depend on the media to communicate the “truth”. Newspapers, magazine publications and newscasters were committed to operating at the highest ethical standards. We could depend upon our local leaders—civic or religious—to offer us truth. But over time that has changed.

The sources of truth and information in the 21^st century are growing exponentially and based on the “issue of the day”. They represent many diverse voices and views. Decentralized digital platforms and social media offer opinions based on varying perspectives and preferences: personal, political, or popular.

Rapidly influencing our daily life is artificial intelligence (AI) and digital knowledge systems which people use to provide answers for their special situations and life, in general. While AI provides access to vast amounts of information quickly, users may tend to over trust automated answers which could contain errors. Could our dependency on AI have addictive consequences?

Why is Truth Important?

It is important because life has consequences for being wrong. Giving the wrong amount of a medication to someone can kill them. Having an investment manager make the wrong monetary decisions can impoverish a family. Boarding the wrong plane will take you where you didn’t want to go.

As Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias put it, “The fact is, the truth matters—especially when you’re on the receiving end of a lie.” And nowhere is this more important than in the areas of faith and religion. Eternity is a long time to be wrong.

The Apostle Paul warned the young minister Timothy of the dangers that awaited him as new converts would “turn away their ears from the truth and be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:4). It is important that we have a real-time, reliable, and trustworthy source to help us ferret out truth in the world.

Connecting with Truth

Believers face a major challenge to walk in biblical truth while living in a postmodern world. Especially when that truth is measured against the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ.

As believer’s are reality is grounded in God. We no longer follow the worldview—its influence was negated by the Blood. Our meaning and reality is now realigned with God (2 Corinthians 5:15). While there are many proposed definitions of the truth, there can only be one

More than ever before it is critical that we 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). It is God’s truth that will guide our behaviors and our responses in this fallen world. God is the only source of truth for our lives. More next week as we search for truth.

Our Faith Walk

Throwback Wednesday: What’s with Watchfulness?

May 13, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Watchfulness. What does that mean to us in today’s world? With the many events that are occurring in our world, it is imperative that we give special attention to the environment around us.

To watch is used over four hundred times in the Old Testament with the basic meaning of “take great care” and to “keep alert”. In the New Testament, the definition continues with the addition of the warning to “keep watchful.”

Jesus often used the concept of watchfulness in may of His parables to relate to His Second Coming . (Luke 31:26) He also warned believers to be aware and prepared for Satan’s attacks. (Mark 14:38).

Jesus’ teachings on watchfulness is especially relevant for us today. Each day, we are challenged to carefully assess what is happening around us. Not only for our physical well-being but especially for our spiritual health.

Therein lies the reason for this our Throwback Wednesday, “Practicing Watchfulness: Be Prepared.” Click on the “next post” to access all the Practicing Watchfulness series. That’s how important we think watchfulness is needed right now.

Practicing Watchfulness: Be Prepared

Our Faith Walk

Hope that Won’t Disappoint

May 5, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What we’ve learned about hope.

The believer’s audacity for hope is made possible by knowledge of God (Psalm 16:11), by continuous abiding in Christ (John 15:5) and the filling of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Our audacity or boldness is built on a sure foundation based on the fidelity and faithfulness of God. It is established on the immutability of His word (Hebrews 6:17-18), the certainty of His promise (Romans 4:16) and the assurance of His presence (Romans 15:13). This is what gives us the ability to persevere.

This boldness leads us to our faith response to the challenges and trials of 21^st century living. Our faith becomes a key ingredient with hope to offer us peace, guidance, and unwavering hope. It provides us with strength and solace in time of uncertainty. This is true not because we are “optimistic”, but we believe that God is truly in control regardless of the circumstances we face.

Together, our audacity and faith results in our recognition and acknowledgement that God and God alone is the true source of our hope (Psalm 62:5-12). A true hope that never disappoints.

Hope and the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path forward and guiding believers toward the fulfillment of God’s promises. The Holy Spirit instills hope in believers by:

Reassurance of God’s Love: The Holy Spirit pours God’s love into the hearts of believers, providing a steadfast foundation for hope. This love is unconditional and everlasting, providing security and assurance even in the face of trials and tribulations. (Romans 5
Guiding and Strengthening Faith: The Holy Spirit strengthens believers’ faith, enabling them to trust in God’s promises and plans. This faith is the source of hope, as it allows believers to anticipate God’s goodness and believe in the fulfillment of His promises. (Hebrews . 11:1)
Empowering for Perseverance: The Holy Spirit empowers believers with resilience and perseverance, enabling them to endure challenges and maintain hope amid difficulties. This empowerment allows believers to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward towards God’s purpose. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Revealing God’s Plan: The Holy Spirit unveils God’s plan and purpose for believers’ lives, providing a clear direction and motivation for hope. This understanding of God’s plan instills hope for the future, as believers see how their present struggles fit into God’s overarching design. (Ephesians 1:17-18)
Interceding in prayer: The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers in prayer, expressing their deepest yearnings and hopes to God. This intercession ensures that believer’s hopes are aligned with God’s will and that their prayers are heard and answered. (Romans 8: 26-27).

The Holy Spirit becomes a source of strength and resilience, enabling believers to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and anticipation of God’s goodness.

Hope that won’t disappoint.

For hope that is real in our life, it is important that we intentionally claim that which Christ has obtained for us through His sacrificial death and powerful resurrection. Through Jesus’ sacrificial gift of life, we have a hope that “does not” and “will not” disappoint.

Therefore, having been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)

Bottomline, God’s hope won’t disappoint. His hope is the only guarantee of security and assurance even in the face of trials and tribulations. HE IS the steadfast foundation for hope. (Hebrew 6:17-19)

For hope that won’t disappoint, hold fast to “the God of hope [who will] fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.” (Romans 15:13, Amplified)

Our Faith Walk

The Audacity of Hope, Part 2

April 21, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Why do we need hope?

From the tenuous bonds that connect us with one another, to the ever-present vulnerability we share as humans in a chaotic world, our lives are forever saturated in the possibility of catastrophe. Bad things— often tragic things like accidents, illness, and untimely death—happen to people every single day. We know this, yet we are tasked with finding ways of moving forward in a world where nothing is guaranteed.[1]

How then do we move forward? We look for hope—the expectation that things will get better. Hope is important because it helps us to cope with stress and anxiety, manage adversity, and improve our well-being and happiness. Hope is not always easy to find, but it is always worth seeking. It is the light that guides us through the darkness, and it gives us the strength to keep going even when things are tough.

Hope by any other name.

Hope is defined as an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes. Its synonyms include optimism and anticipation. The opposite of hope includes hopelessness and despair.

Hope is included as one of the three theological virtues mentioned in Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three.” (1 Corinthians 13:13, KJV). To the church at Thessalonica, Paul acknowledges the saints for “their work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Thessalonica 1:3).

When we use the word hope in casual conversation, we often do so in a doubtful manner. However biblical hope is never “doubt-filled”. It is built upon a confident expectation of a future fulfillment based on God’s Word and God’s promises.

We can only hope!

Hope is both a feeling and a motivation. A powerful force for good in our lives. It can help us cope with difficult times and to persevere in the face of challenges. It has been described as a shield, a path, and a powerful protector. This is especially true when we face life-threatening illnesses or insurmountable challenges in our lives.

Hope is a complex emotion that is critical for the times in which we find ourselves. As we embrace the belief that better days are possible, we are motivated to continue moving forward. It is exactly what is needed to persevere during these difficult times. With hope, we can find ways to oppose the dread of life’s dangers. Hope is critical to our future, both individually and collectively, as a society. Therein lies the reason we must continue to hope.

Hope as an anchor of the soul.

Hope will sustain us during difficult times. The writer of Hebrews depicted hope as an anchor. It was a familiar object that would illustrate God’s strong attachment to us. This anchor was “sure and steadfast”.

Sure is interpreted to mean “something that can be relied upon”. Steadfast continues this thought of God’s hope. It adds the descriptors of “trustworthy, firm and secure”. The anchor represents the Object of our faith who is Jesus Christ. Jesus has secured our position for eternity—past, present, and future.

Hope in God continues to be the message that will sustain us today in these troubling times. Our hope is based on the immutability of His word (Hebrews 6:17-18), the certainty of His promise (Romans 4:16) and the assurance of His presence (Romans 15:13).

It is this hope that gives us confidence and the ability to persevere. Our audacity of hope is built on a sure foundation based on the fidelity and faithfulness of God.

Next week, we will explore hope as our faith response to the challenges of 21^st century living.

[1] Hope: Why it matters, Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, July 16, 2021

Spiritual Maturity

What I Learned in 2025: How I Got Over

January 27, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

How I Got Over.

In the 70’s, Aretha Franklin recorded the song, “How I Got Over”. It declares, in amazement, at the end of each chorus, “My soul looks back and wonders, how I got over.”

2025 was a hard year for me—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Emotionally, I was daily challenged to understand how to process the hateful rhetoric that was rapidly emerging in our nation. Rhetoric that threatened my personal rights provided by our democratic systems. Physically, my health reflected a decline that sometimes comes with aging. Some were heredity; others were the effect of poor lifestyle choices. Spiritually, the Lord stretched me with people and experiences that challenged my trust and obedience to Him. “Pray for my enemy? Really?”

With that as my backdrop, I now take this opportunity to reflect on the past year and ask, “what have I learned?” Like the Sankofa bird of African folklore, what will I leave behind in 2025 and what will I take with me as I enter this new year.

Learn from Me.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus offers Himself as the remedy to the emotional, physical, and spiritual weight pressing His Disciples and His followers in that day. His offer? “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.”

Learn (man-than’-o) means to increase one’s knowledge. It is further defined that the knowledge should be like that of the one teaching it. For the stress of 21^st century living, Jesus is the source of all knowledge and understanding. He continues to be “the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)

As we grow in the knowledge of Christ, the true SOURCE, we are drawn closer to Him, we become more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18). We learn by becoming single-minded and committed to the things of God. This strengthens our resolve during hard times, resulting in “strength to prevail”.

How do we tap into the power that prevails? It starts with what I call being single-hearted. We are single hearted when we cherish God above all things. Scripture promises that God will come to those who are single hearted. (2 Chronicles 16:9). God gives the strength that prevails to those whose hearts are fully given over to him. (Luke 21:34-35)[1]

What I will leave?

In the tradition of the Sankofa bird, in 2026, what will I leave behind and what will I take with me?

I leave behind those things that hinder me emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of Life. (1 John 2:15-16, NKJV)

These are listed by the Apostle John as those things that keep us connected to the world. Lust is a powerful and complex emotion, often characterized by intense desire and attraction. They lead us away from our relationship with God.

Lusts keep us tethered to “our flesh” with desires that ultimately corrupt and erode our love for the things of God and the life we have in Christ. Lust holds our soul’s hostage (mind, will, and emotions) by promising things that will never satisfy. Lust will continue to demand more.

What I will take?

I will take with me those things that have served me well. These represent key learnings in 2025. If I had to choose one broad header it would be seeking God and being in His presence. Especially rewarding has been practicing the discipline of silence and solitude.

In those moments where there is an absence of talking, there is the great reward of hearing Jesus speak. It may be through God’s Word that captures my attention during meditation. During moments of submission, I empty myself to make room for God’s Spirit, which becomes divine wisdom for the days ahead.

If I follow my plan for 2026, I pray I will be able to see not only “how I got over” but WHY I got over. It’s not necessarily the WHAT but the WHO!

[1] Resilient, John Elderidge, “The Strength that Prevails”, 51-52

Victorious Living

A Better New Year’s Resolution, Part 2

January 13, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

A better new year

As we previously shared, new year’s resolutions are not the best way to create change in our life. Strength of character and self-will, often fall short in taking us where we really want to be. We determined that “the best way” to introduce real change in our lives is through our relationship with Jesus Christ. We must put on our “new man”. In Christ we have a new identity.

Embrace our identity in Christ

When I began my Christian walk, the meaning of “in Christ” was a mystery to me. I tried to understand it based on those things I was familiar with. For example, I established membership in the local church. I was in fellowship with its members to serve and glorify God in my life. But “in Christ”, what did it mean?

In Christ is the present experience of the risen Christ indwelling the believer’s heart. Through the Holy Spirit we take on the personality of Christ. It is more than an imitation of the life and teaching of Jesus. It describes the believer’s union with Christ as a result of the divine action of grace by God. The result of that action is the believer is transformed into a “new man.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Renewed in knowledge

Knowledge is defined as general awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation.

However, in Colossians 3:10 knowledge means “precise and correct knowledge”. It is used in the New Testament of the knowledge of things ethical and divine. It is this type of knowledge that is needed today to navigate the challenges of our times.

Paul tells the church at Colosse to “put on the new man” who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. “New man” and “old man” were terms introduced by Paul to contrast the believer’s new versus old behaviors and lifestyle (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 2:15; 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-11).

So why did Paul tell the church to put on the new man? Because the new man has access to the “precise and correct” knowledge needed for righteous living (living in right relations with God and with mankind). This knowledge is provided through the Holy Spirit living within the new man (John 16:13). This is where transformation takes place.

In addition, this new man’s knowledge is further strengthened as a result of being created in the image of God. In Christ we possess God’s divine nature—His DNA. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms. It is the unique string of characteristics that make us who we are—physically and mentally. In Christ, we have been given a new spiritual DNA that equips us for the purpose and plan God has created for our lives.

True Knowledge

In Christ, we not only have renewed knowledge but also “true” knowledge. Paul describes this in 2 Peter 1:2-4.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Knowledge (of God) protects us against error and deception, regardless of its source. It helps us discern and use God’s truth to guide our life. True knowledge sharpens our spiritual eyes to see not only potential dangers but also the possibilities that God has in store for us.

Promise of a better year

If we want a better new year, we must be intentional. Our aim should not be wasted on things that never work. Our focus must continue to be on the Person who has the authority and power to “make all things work together for our good.” (Romans 8:28). That person is Almighty God (Psalm 97:1-2).

Our divine truth is this. Being in Christ and knowledge of God will provide us with everything we need to be successful not only this new year, but also all the way to glory. Let us diligently seek the Lord more this year than last. This is the best way to a better new year.

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.

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 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

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.