Life As God Intended

We’re born on to this earth through no decision of our own. We’re given life and nurture and guided by our parents until we’re free to make our own choices, find our own way, and carve out our own future.

Which path do we take? Some are free to choose the direction they aspire to, and their decisions are based on personal desires and motivations. Others find themselves on a road not of their own choosing, moving in a direction based on circumstances and pressures of life imposed on them by exterior forces and events. Nevertheless, life must proceed in one way or another, steadily forward to a destiny unknown or unplanned.

Relentlessly, years go by, and we try to make the most of life as we find it, aiming to satisfy an inner desire for pleasure or fulfilment. We may pursue a form of life that is unsatisfactory or even distasteful, but self-preservation, and the search for satisfaction drives us on.

Is that what life is all about? Is that the format for existence, that it is laid down by chance or evolutionary consequences? Some would think so. They believe we’ve arrived on earth by random circumstances and must find our way to exist, seeking pleasures and satisfaction, until the lights go out and we’re no more.

But there is a better way. It’s the way designed by our Creator, even from the beginning of time. It’s a purpose for life which has satisfaction and fulfilment built into it, and a promised destiny surpassing our wildest hopes and dreams. It’s found in the name and person of Jesus Christ.

He came to earth not to just show the way, but to be the way, the way from the Father to the Father, with hope, relationships and joy woven into the process. He walked the way of the world and, in His perfect life, absorbed all the evils of the imperfect existence created by mankind. He put them all to death, so that a new and glorious life could be re-established on earth, under the covering of God Himself, a life of joy, peace, and prosperity for all who would receive Him and walk the way of righteousness.

We are invited to surrender the imperfect and tainted life of human selfishness and allow it to be crucified through the perfect man, so that we may live the resurrected life of Jesus in His relationship with the Father and in the power of the Spirit. The desires and dreams of the world become as nothing in the light of the glorious inheritance laid out before us.

We have a choice. There are two doors, both of which are open. There is no pressure of persuasion, only freedom to decide. But a decision must be made. Which door do we walk through? Our eternal destiny depends on our choice. Jesus is calling: ‘I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved’ (John 10:9). ‘Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved’ (Acts 4:12)