Is This All There Is?

     In the The AARP Magazine for Feb/March 2018 an article called, “Burned to the Waterline,” by Donovan Webster really struck a sad, yet encouraging note for me. After being sent to prison for DUI for 21 months, Webster, a writer for The New Yorker and The National Geographic as well as other magazines and the author of the book, War Stories: True-Life Fiction from American’s Troops and Families in the Global War on Terror had a new perspective on life. He said, “Yes, there are moments when I walk out under the night sky and ask myself what the point of this journey has been. But feeling sorry for oneself is a luxury people my age can no longer afford. Virtually everything in my life burned to the waterline. But I have realized that there’s some great power in being around long enough to comprehend that no matter the damage we’ve done, a new door will open. No matter what age you are, staging a comeback is only a matter of taking the rest of your life seriously and making the next smart step, and the next. Is there really any other option?”

     Although, Donovan's insights are enlightening, there's a gap in his philosophy. There's a void that can only be filled with "a great power" that is greater than all things as He is the Creator of everything. Our purpose is not to simply grind through our last days on earth, but rather to walk in the path of our true destiny. People argue that they don't want to become Christians because they would have to give up the "fun stuff," like drinking, smoking pot, having sex outside of marriage and all the rest, but look what just four beers did for Donovan Webster. He lost everything he'd worked so diligently for in less than two years in prison, due to driving under the influence of alcohol. 

     I didn't give up drinking when I became a Christian (although in time I became severely allergic to alcohol, which made it much easier to give up). But I did quit drinking and driving, which had been my habit for many years. I remember the first time I looked in the rearview mirror searching for cops and realized I hadn't done anything wrong. I didn't need to look behind me anymore! There was a sense of freedom and relief that I can still remember to this day. The "fun stuff" comes with a load of consequences and regrets, whether its words said that can't be retracted, relationship problems, work issues, or even weight gain, the outcome of such habits doesn't usually lead to growth, maturity, and future successful options. 

     God wants the best for us. He is not a cosmic killjoy. He wants His created beings to have lives in which they experience joy, peace, and self-control. Lives where the "fun stuff" can't take hold of them and keep them captives, but rather they can feel that no matter what, God's got their backs. And Jesus's death on the cross, holds eternal options for them. So when they believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior they won't need to give up the "fun stuff," but fun will be so much richer and more powerful, they'll quit looking back at old, unproductive habits. The Holy Spirit will reside in them, to guide them, and direct them, and they will never again be left wondering, "Is this all there is?" because these human beings, designed by the Greatest Power of all time, will be filled to the brim with peace, hope, faith, and love.

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."