The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
One of the most common phrases is; “Dying is easy, living is harder.” If you’ve not heard about it then you’ve probably thought about it, especially when life hits rock bottom and you can’t understand why you’re living. It’s not uncommon to struggle with finding one’s purpose in life. We’re not born and handed a manual on how to go about life. We are not told from the beginning what we are doing here, and how to live a wholesome life (now that we didn’t ask to be born but we’re here anyway).
For us to live a wholesome life, we must know our purpose on earth. Finding one’s purpose in life, I must admit, is a challenge. And if you’re there now, trying to figure it all out, I’m with you, I feel you. As a Christian, the Bible tells us that God has these beautiful plans for us 1. Plan to give us prosperity, hope, and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) In order for us to live this plan, and in return have a wholesome life, we have to be in tune with three important aspects of life. These include forming a relationship with God, society, and self.
God
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. (John 15:4-11) We cannot find, peace, joy, and a sense of purpose outside God. We must abide in Him. Abiding in Christ means a living, earnest, refreshing faith that works by love and purifies the soul. It means a constant receiving of the spirit of Christ, a life of unreserved surrender to His service. Where this union exists, good works will appear. The life of the vine will manifest itself in fragrant fruit on the branches. The continual supply of the grace of Christ will bless you and make you a blessing, till you can say with Paul, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20) – TMK 132.2
When our souls unite with God, our lives will be in tune with His purpose, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7) Make deliberate efforts to improve your relationship with God. And just like any relationship is built by communication, strive to do the same with God. Daily consecrate yourself to God, have alone time with Him, do Bible study, and don’t neglect the fellowship with other brethren. (Hebrews 10:24-26) Always pray for the Holy Spirit to give you an understanding of what God is communicating to you.
Society
“To have a friend and be a friend is what makes life worthwhile.” ~Unknown. No man is an Island and hence it’s important to form meaningful relationships with others. Be proactive in meeting like-minded people. Attend concerts, and social events, join a book or charity club, volunteer in the community, and serve with an open heart. You need to know your personality type and understand how best you can interact with people. 3
Self
Love yourself or nobody will. We need to have a strong and meaningful relationship with ourselves. One of the greatest things in life is to know how to be sufficient unto oneself. Know yourself – your physical body, and be in touch with your emotions at all times, Whatever you do trample down abuses. Look to your health; and if you have it, praise God, and value it next to good conscience. Exercise, read good books, enjoy the sunlight, eat a balanced diet, get enough rest, drink enough water, and maintain a positive mindset. Having a good relationship with yourself also includes managing your finances well, working hard, and knowing how to process your experiences appropriately.
In essence, living a wholesome life requires a holistic approach. It starts with nurturing a deep relationship with God, where you find purpose, peace, and strength. Furthermore, fostering meaningful connections with society enriches your life, while a strong relationship with yourself promotes mental and physical well-being. By aligning these three aspects—God, society, and self—you can experience the abundant, fulfilling life that God intends for you. Trust in Him, embrace growth, and let the power of His Spirit guide you to a truly wholesome life.
May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace. May He guide you through forming a strong relationship with Him, with those around you, and with yourself. And by the power of the Holy Spirit may you live a wholesome life.
