Him

I contemplate God and the teachings of Christ now, more than anytime in my life. I don't think that this was intentional on my part. I've  been drawn to His love and the need to reflect on my life and how I have and currently live it. I'm not an old man yet, but I can't help but think about how short human life is on this planet. I find myself asking more and more "Is this how I want to spend this gift?" 

I suppose that I have always believed in heaven, and a union of the soul with the creator after our bodily passing. However, now I think about what Christ said about that kingdom. What does it take to get there? He told us. I think deep down, we all have a general idea of what it takes to be united with Him. Most of us are afraid to do those things on this material plane. Give up our luxury? Love those whom we hate? Forgive those who have wronged us? Share what we have worked so hard to earn to strangers? It's easy when the notion of Eternal Life is in the balance. But we are pulled by the security of what we know and observe here in the now. 

I seek to be Christ-like. I fail miserably at it, but I am trying. It's hard to ignore what my mind, society, family, and culture tells me that I need. The ideals conflict often, but they also coincide in some surprising ways...but that's another topic. 

I feel good when I think about God. I feel moved to infinite gratitude. Sometimes I feel bad when I think about God. I feel that I'm not doing enough. Will He forgive me?

Standing Above a Crowd

You're supposed to treat others the way you would want to be treated. Do this throughout your life on earth and you are promised eternal life. Celebrate the gift of life that is given to you and try not to be selfish with your time here. Do this and upon your death you will enter a kingdom where there is no pain, fear, worry, or sorrow. 

That all sounds desirable. This man came around 2,000 year ago and told everyone he met these kinds of things. It's no wonder he found a few followers. Since then, millions of those who believed him have lived and passed on, realizing for whether his promises were true or not. For better or worse, we don't know if they proved him right or wrong. 

Yet even if it was all false, what the man told us to do to get there really isn't asking for much. In fact, if you have ever done kind things for others and showed compassion to those in need, you more often than not feel good about yourself anyway. Isn't it ironic how you are ultimately serving yourself by serving others?