“But real life has an urgency so different from fiction; at the end, it cannot be changed! ‘The meaning of life is that it stops.’ We will never figure out how we should live our life unless we fully understand the significance that it will end.”- Dr. Timothy Johnson (emphasis author’s)
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”- Matthew 22:37 (NIV)
Since Chapter 8 provides the basis for August’s Short Meditation, I move on to Chapter 9 of When the Game is Over. In Chapter 9 (“Prevent Regret”), John Ortberg begins with a contrast between commitments and convictions. Pastor Ortberg explains the interplay:
“We all hold convictions about what matters most in our lives, about what we hold most dear. But when we take stock of our day-to-day actions, there is often a gap between what we value and the way we spend our time, money, or energy. So regret prevention means taking an honest look at what commitments are shaping our lives.”
Hence, John first takes a look at binding commitments. He defines binding commitments as past actions or choices that tie us to a future course of action. Thus, they determine the shape of our lives. However, the ultimate covenant is the one God entered into with us. In addition, we must shape and evaluate all our smaller life choices in the context of our one great commitment to God. Our choices must foster keeping that agreement. Yet, John observes, we often drift into other commitments that impede us from living out our deepest values.
Today’s question: What Scriptures help sustain your real life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Routine commitments — time-consuming potential”
