As if traveling on a well-worn road our lives are often faced by challenging hills and valleys. Time passes rapidly, each day with its own sense of movement, some days upward and others downward. Many days feel as if a blur as they go swiftly past, just as the ones before them. The thoughts evolve, can we grasp the value found in each day, remember them, be engaged with their meaning. How suddenly our lives can change, even to our end.
Through it all, many know that God is with them in their daily journey. His Love has been bestowed upon us. It is for us to believe in God’s gift through His Son Jesus Christ (I John 4:16).
For those who do not believe a question is in front of them: Given God’s eternal mercy, am I but willing to accept His gift of eternal life?
Once saved by God’s mercy, one’s thoughts may turn to being of deep value in this temporal life. The question then arises: What does it mean to be truly relevant for the Lord?
Many examples are among us, let us share their meaning, be they small or large.
An Example of God’s Work
A while back, over coffee at a favorite café, a friend of many years set the stage for an interesting discussion. He had been talking with one of his family members concerning their futures. Of importance to them is the changes that occur in life and the journey each of them is on. I listened with interest as my friend expressed his thoughts, remembering back to similar events and the sense of wonder I felt at those times. Of importance was his question: How can one feel they are being relevant? We discussed the subject for some time before shifting topics.
Later that day my interest in the topic led me to the dictionary.
Being Relevant: Having significant and demonstrable bearing (impact) on the matter at hand. Also, having application in social matters (human).
Personal Questions Raised
The meaning of relevant and the proceeding discussion raised some personal questions.
- By our action and importantly, our inaction does one readily affect others?
- Is one’s life having significant impact on the lives of others?
- Is it important to understand the concept of “being relevant for the Lord?”
Other Questions
- How relevant are the talks/events in the lives of others? What impact does such an engagement have for the other person?
- What such opportunities do we have in this fast-paced world?
- Do the thoughts we share extend over time and are others affected?
- Who is called to be relevant, those who are older or younger?
- Is experience a necessary ingredient?
- What does the passage of time mean to the question of “being relevant?”
- What steps should be taken to show God’s love to hurting people?
- Can we be sensitive to those who are around us, including our family?