Ruth
(Continue from last week)
In Part 1 of this article, I mentioned the following elements that are key to a more abundant life in Christ:
– Guarding Your Thoughts: Cultivate positivity and mindful purity.
– A Lasting Purpose and Meaning: Engage in activities that align with your core values.
– Strong Interpersonal Relationships: Foster deep connections with others.
– Commitment to Personal Growth: Continuously strive for self-improvement and learning.
Last week, I’ve also discussed the first element in more detail. Here, I focus on the remaining three elements.
Lasting purpose/meaning:
Don’t focus on transient purposes or goals. Rather, hold on to a meaningful purpose that will last through life and into eternity. As a Christian, I believe it is vital to honor God while benefiting others. This goal extends beyond the boundaries of the church, encompassing all aspects of life. Within the family unit, it is important to serve and support loved ones, fostering an environment of love and care. Similarly, in one’s career and financial pursuits, including roles like that of a stay-at-home parent, it means contributing to society and helping those around you. Although freedom and autonomy allow us to make choices that align with our values and beliefs, for Christians living in countries with restrictions, it’s still possible to play an active part in God’s kingdom. Learn from the Apostle Paul. Even in jail, he was able to enrich his personal journey and touch the lives of others.
Interpersonal relationships:
Interpersonal relationships are foundational to our lives. They encompass a variety of connections, such as marriage, relationships with children, friends, and relatives, as well as with colleagues and fellow Christians at church. These bonds are nurtured through essential steps like love, tolerance, forgiveness, acceptance, and reconciliation. During the first few years of my marriage life, I tried to change my husband, which made both of us miserable. Later, I realized that a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy relationship is the willingness to focus on changing myself rather than attempting to change others. By embracing these principles, we can foster harmonious interactions, enriching our lives and those around us.
Personal growth:
There are so many things we can do to enhance personal growth, such as travel, learning a new language, acquiring a new skill (e.g., writing), or even taking courses in a seminary. Embracing new experiences through travel can broaden one’s perspective. By studying theology, we can deepen our understanding of spiritual and philosophical concepts, connecting them with cultures and histories. Learning a new language not only facilitates communication in foreign lands but also provides cognitive benefits and deeper cultural immersion. Alongside these endeavors, acquiring a new skill further enriches one’s life, fostering creativity and adaptability. As an example, I only picked up creative writing after I retired. Yet in three years, I’ve learned so much that my life has become much more colorful. These pursuits offer a comprehensive way to explore the world, enrich the mind, and contribute to a more abundant life.
Conclusion: Now I’m retired. These four elements remain unchanged. Although my focus may shift (e.g., from a career in biochemistry to writing—a new assignment from God, and from being a pastor’s wife to being a regular church member), I continue to practice all four of them so that I can still be useful in God’s kingdom and bring His blessings to people around me. I sincerely hope that when I’m ready to depart this world, I can echo what Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
