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We Are But Man By Jack Elliott Whether wealthy elite or ragged vagabond, without Christ in us we are but man.
e came into this life without choice of parents or circumstance. We pursue life, pleasure, happiness and abundance. Blessed, indeed, is he who finds them. The rich take their riches for granted and are bored within their opulence. Though they seek excitement and gratification among the elite, life is not fulfilling. The poor, often proud of just being "humble folk," complain of their poverty and blame others for their plight. The vagabond trades on sympathy, but will not give up the freedom of the road. Happiness flees from us on the wings of disappointment and unrequited desire. The vagabond receives joy over a hand-me-down warm coat and is grateful for the warmth that he is not used to. A morsel of bread brings as much gastric delight to him as caviar to the palate of the rich.
Both go through life striving after the things which only temporarily satisfy. We are but men and we go striving after wind. As wise old Solomon wrote, "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind" (Ecclesiastes 1:14). If we are so blessed as to be called out of this world by the Father of Lights and added to the Body of Christ, life takes on new meaning. Striving changes to pursuing the "pearl of great price." Success does not come easily, even when helped by the Spirit, because the way to glory is fraught with wrong turns and stones of stumbling. Through trust in God the goal is made clear and the way manifest. Through His mercy, the burden becomes light. As David wrote, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:1-4). Those who hunger and thirst after the true righteousness of God and who forsake men's self-righteousness proceed toward the goal of life. What is the goal of life? The Creator God has a plan to procreate a large loving family minded like Himself. God's sons and daughters cannot be of a contrary spirit.
God's great example is to share His glory and joy and love with all those who will treasure it as He does. This life in the flesh is the training and testing ground for those who will persevere toward that end. This marvelous gift of eternal life is only available through His Son, Jesus Christ, who gave His life in our stead to cover the sins which thwart eternal life. His sacrifice covers our sins, which are contrary to His way of living, when we repent and set our hearts on the godly way. God's way of living is outlined in His laws and precepts through the Bible. They are made clear by the example of Jesus Christ's life on earth. Happy are you, whether rich or poor, if God has set you on the road to life. No one falls through the cracks who truly wants to be like the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Copyright 2000 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved. |
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Origin of article "We Are But Man"
Keywords: goal purpose of life family of God
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