As Good as it Gets?

Think about your life. No, really! Stop reading for about 60 seconds and reflect on who you are, what you are accomplishing, and how you are impacting your little corner of the world. Think about what the purpose of your life really is and whether or not you are fulfilling that purpose.

(ok, stop and reflect for 60 seconds now)

Introspection is difficult for most people because they sense that there is more to life than what they are currently experiencing. Do you feel that way? My guess is that most people reading this blew right by the "stop and reflect" part and kept on reading. It is just too uncomfortable, isn't it?

The movie "As Good as it Gets" (1997) with Jack Nicholson, Greg Kinnear, and Helen Hunt was a fun movie to watch. (I'm not in the business of recommending films so don't take this as a recommendation. I am just using this movie to illustrate a point.) In this movie, the lives of three very different, but damaged lives are brought together. All three characters are lonely, lost, and looking for something in life that really matters - beyond just existing. At one point Nicholson's character is in a group psychiatric session and says to the depressed group, "What if this is as good as it gets?" Heavy words that really made me think. Words that caused me to do a little introspective thinking about my own life.

Let me ask you some tough questions:
- What is on your schedule today? When the day is over, will any of those things really matter?
- What is your purpose here on earth? Do you ever make an effort to match up your plans for the day with your purpose? OR is your REAL life completely disconnected from your PURPOSE?
- Are you satisifed with your life? Are you satisfied with the path you are on?
- If this is as good as it gets, are you OK with that, or do you want more?

Here are a few truths you need to hear and pray about today:

1) You were created for ONE purpose - to GLORIFY GOD. There is nothing more important than your efforts, plans, and energy being focused on worshipping God and showing others the love of God.

2) If you are not satisified with your life it is because you are not living out your purpose. More money, promotions, fame, or admiration from others will NEVER fill the void. The ONLY way to be fulfilled and satisifed in life is to know that you are advancing the Kingdom of God here on earth. If your plans today do not advance the Kingdom of God, you will end the day feeling like you wasted yet another day and missed the entire point of living!

3) If you're wondering if this is as good as it gets, the answer is NO! It gets so much better. A life lived to glorify God and to give hope to lost and damaged people is so fulfilling and amazing that you will never want to do anything else once you experience it.

4) VERY FEW people ever find out how awesome it is to live this way. Matthew 7:14 says, "...but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

My challenge to you is to stop and reflect (for real this time). Examine your life. Think about your plans, your goals, your desires. Will they really make any difference when this day is over? Don't you want your life to matter? Trust me...this is NOT as good as it gets. God has so much more in store for those willing to walk down the narrow road of life!