"Words to Live By"

absolute: n. That which is independent of context-dependent interpretation, inviolate, fundamental. adj. Certain, not to be doubted.

precept: n. A rule for action or behavior, esp. one based on moral consideration.

Each and every day the ocean’s tides rise and fall.

Each and every day planet Earth rotates on its axis. In a journey of approximately 365 days, it circles the Sun, the center of our solar system, a system filled with it and countless other planets, moons, comets, and celestial objects.

Each and every day mankind lives with weather. It is all around us, all the time. An important part of our lives, we have no control over it. Instead, it often controls and influences how and where we live, our activities, the clothing we wear, and our emotional and physical well-being as well.

Each and every day physical life begins. Conception takes place when an egg and sperm meet, and a cocoon is provided for development and growth within the womb of the mother. Several months later, when life can survive independently, birth takes place when an infant enters this world.     

Each and every day physical life ends. It may be due to age, tragedy, or a malady, but when the essence of a person leaves the body, death occurs.

Absolutes, they are also basic facts of science. Science, however, is only an observer, a discoverer, not the originator or creator. Whether launching a space shuttle, constructing an underwater tunnel, investigating wildlife in a jungle, or planning and initiating a plethora of projects ad infinitum, science cannot ignore these and multiple other absolutes. It is governed and controlled by nonvariables and must operate within those bounds and limitations.  

Often portrayed as opposing and challenging God, science places the burden of proof upon Him to prove His very existence. Even if one does not believe in God as Creator, however, he/she is still living life with Him, and that includes the realm of science as well. Science may reject the Creator, but it cannot ignore the absolute exactness and precision of all that is created, of all that is.   

 

God is absolute. In the same way facts of science cannot be ignored, there are basic facts about Him and His personality that cannot be overlooked when developing a relationship with Him, when living life with Him. 

In my quest and search to find meaning for my life, these words were given to me: “That you might know me, the one and only true living God.”

He is the foundation. Block by block, he has built atop that foundation. While no longer living under Old Testament law, there are basic truths about God and His nature, given so I might live a rich, fulfilled life in sync with Him.

God is love. All that He is and all that He does comes from that base. Certain principles apply, and they are absolute as he is absolute; they will never change as He will never change.

            #1: ALL things are spiritual; things are not as they seem to be.

The base of all in this life, this world, this galaxy, this universe is spiritual not physical.  God is a spiritual being, and we are a part of His world. The need, then, is to have spiritual vision in order to see things as they really are. Viewing life any other way is the same as looking at a black and white photograph of a sunset. The basic form, the skeleton as it were, is evident, but none of the color or beauty is visible. One can look at it yet not really see it.

Wisdom, foresight, intelligence, and thought goes into the mundane experiences of our everyday lives. Multi-faceted and dimensional, they are the basis of discipline, a lesson, a crossroads—all part of the whole of life designed by the One who made us.

#2:  First things first—the inner first, then the outer. The outer, without the inner, is worthless.

The inner of a person is one’s spiritual part; the outer is one’s physical part. God alone can develop the spiritual part of us and to focus on only the outer is the creation of a very fragile shell.

#3:  If you don’t make a decision, the decision is made for you.

People often want to postpone the consideration of God in their lives into the someday. Motivated and driven by the desire to live life “my way,” there is a fear that God might interfere, so He is kept at bay. Never to be forgotten is the fact that in each person’s life there does come a time when there is no more someday.

#4:  If you wait to see, you’ve waited too long.

“I’ll believe it when I see it.” This position has negative ramifications since one never knows when life is going to be brought to a close, and the price paid for standing and living in it is a hefty one. No opportunity is given to repeat life.

#5:  There is a better way.

God’s way is better. It is that simple.

#6:  There are no skipped steps; there are no shortcuts.

Life will be lived, lessons will be learned in the order planned and designed by the Master. Leapfrog is not a part of His plan.

#7:  Just keep going.

Nothing is ever gained by curling up in a fetal position or sitting down in protest. Regardless of how difficult circumstances may be, there is an end and moving forward is the best approach.

#8:  Not a moment too soon; not a moment too late.

Timing. It’s always about the timing--God's timing.

#9:  Stay in your own yard.

“Mind your own business.” Each of us has more than enough on our own plate so that it behooves us to focus on those things that have only to do with us personally. Stepping outside of that space generally comes from a place of judgment or the desire or effort to do God’s work for Him. It never, ever works.

#10: Do not add to; do not take away from.

God means what He says and says what He means. When understanding is difficult, ask what He means. Applying my reasoning to anything He says is dead-end.

#11: In order to become a teacher, you must be willing to be taught.

Time spent as a student is invaluable. I cannot teach what I have not learned.

Absolutes. Precepts. Words to live by—feast on them, absorb them, consider them before God.