I would like to have known these things in the way I know them now when I was much younger—say thirty years of age. But then again, life is something we all learn along the way, isn’t it? Here’s some of the big truths I’ve learned along the way. I hope they will bless you.
1. God is absolutely and unequivocally everything. He is where it all begins and ends. From His revelation through Scripture and Jesus we learn who we are, where we came from, why we’re here, and where we’re going. And most important, we learn about the wondrous love that is behind it all. We need all of this because “the way of man is not in himself . . . it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.”
2. He has intimately and ultimately revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. You can go to the biblical witness and learn about God and that is wonderful and not to be diminished in any way. Still, the Scripture itself points us to Jesus as the supreme revelation of God. If you have any doubts what God is like—just take a look at Him!
3. We’re not saved because we’re great; we’re saved because God is great. Understanding that God’s greatness in terms grace, mercy, and kindness are “too wonderful for me” is one of the most liberating truths we will ever embrace and the foundation for life. He knows us intimately and loves us ultimately.
4. Gratitude is the oxygen of the soul. Our love for God is shown in many different and varied ways, but gratitude is of singular importance. Joy grows from the soil of gratitude.
5. We are blessed that we might be a blessing. To view life as primarily about accumulating, accomplishing, or avoiding is to miss the picture. We are here to enjoy God’s blessings and to share them with others. It’s not that it isn’t blessed to receive (it is), but it is even more blessed to give.
6. There is a real ability in humility. I was put on this planet to do my part. That doesn’t make me more important than anyone or less important—I’m just a part. An important aspect of my part is helping and encouraging others to make their unique contribution. Life is not about ME, it’s about WE. Everyone is someone and Jesus Christ is everything! To practice humility is to live within this truth.
7. It is important to live life as it is given—one day at a time. God could have downloaded several days in advance for us, but in His wisdom, He chose to give them to us one at a time. Learning to live within the day is to live as Jesus did and taught us to do.
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 