We do well to determine what tests we are going to make for our lives – in lifestyle, occupation, family, recreation, beliefs, and all that pertains to life. When we are satisfied with the tests, we must hold self to them. The quality of the tests has something to do with the quality of our thoughts about life, and the application has something to say about the degree to which we apply ourselves to worthy values and objectives. An analysis of life management tells us, and can tell others, something about who we are in creation, perhaps in eternity. We may shoot too low. Process is unique to human life. No other creature can exercise such self-evaluation, with the added feature that the systems of evaluation are also discovered and chosen by those applying them. We have this marvelous gift of self-evaluation, much unused, which may be neglected because our desires and inclinations often conflict with our evaluations. Paradox becomes contradiction. Many persons, critical of greediness are greedy. Many holding high value for family and faithfulness are unfaithful to their mates and children. So the story goes, in various contexts. I have known persons expecting generosity of spirit in others, but unable or unwilling to give it to others. When an eminent golfer apologized for his randy life, he related the apology to the belief that he knew better, that he had been raised a Buddhist, and violated the principles of his tradition. His inference was that he owed an apology, in part, to the religious tradition of his mother which, he seems to have implied, belonged to him. Likely he would have been appalled if his mother’s conduct was similar to his.
What a fine world this would be if each person were found to be as good as they expect others to be. In Christian faith, we can find the best factors for self-evaluation. In matters of faith, there is a combination of factors, factors that witness to each other to integrate a life that believes it is to be guided of God. So the person puts together a series of clinching beliefs and applications that sifts out what is best to be held and practiced. This combination is found in Scripture; in the wisdom of others presumed to have had model lives; in the work of the Holy Spirit in each life holding Christian faith; in the impact of conscience in the assumption the individual is open to moral sensitivity; and, a gratification that prayers are heard and used, not to be hindered by neglect or hypocrisy (self-contradiction).
In occupation one is first concerned about human need for what he or she does. Do I serve the needs of some persons? If I am not guided by service to others, for good or benefit of acceptable purpose, there ought to be serious review and counsel from others close to me, the evaluating self-evaluator. Does the service involve others, who are treated with equity? This grows out of several Christian motivations such as the treatment of others as better than oneself, so to fulfill the role of a servant; and, to act in Christ-like ways. Jesus and the disciples worked hard. Even the Scriptures note they had not stopped for rest and recuperation. Jesus drew them aside, but shortly, they were back at it. In advanced years, I have taken time to determine if I served, and continue to serve? Not just serving, but did I serve legitimate needs? Not only legitimate needs, but did the persons know that the service related to the meaning of Jesus Christ to persons and society – not only for redemption, but for the effectiveness of mortal purpose, survival and improvement? In family we find the test-tube for larger life. There are needs found in the members. No member is without some needs, and no member is shorn of ability to meet some needs. These conducts are to be guided by love, and love when genuine, lasting and unselfish, comes from God – so persists. Here is love we mean to hold, give, and carry us even to ecstasy for life. I periodically give myself a check-up, alone with God. It often occurs at communion time periods, and there is something cleansing about it. As one grows older the contributions are not dramatic, but they may be the most important the person ever offers in life. It may end with prayer alone. The point is to develop a giving spirit in all matters, even when receiving grace from another. In this consideration of others there is meaning in life, especially in that God, who needs nothing from us, takes service to his creation as service to him. God takes it as honor to him when we love and care for each other and that without thought of return. Even so, the grace is returned. Most blessings of God are given through human beings – and follow a circle back to the giver. God is no person’s debtor. He gives to us as we give to others. Seems fair enough. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020