Render unto Caesar?
From the time we are children—especially in most of the world where public education is compulsory—we long to be free. How many tender, young eyes peer through a classroom window with longing desire to run freely in the breeze, wholeheartedly taking in the fresh air rather than be stuck for so many seemingly endless hours, days, months, years sitting behind a school desk.
The thought comes to the growing mind: “What is the meaning of life? Besides studying so long to become a productive member of society, why am I here—what is the purpose of my existence even after graduation from all this required school?”
Our physical life—including later on, our livelihood to support ourselves—is not the purpose of life. At times if we are in danger and are compelled to run to save our life, that life is not the reason for our existence, either. Even some heroes in the Bible felt pressed to save their own life in an emergency. In a moment of weakness, the brave and bold prophet Elijah fled in anguish from the terrorizing threats of murderous Jezebel. Finally, as Elijah was hiding in a cave, the Majesty of Heaven quietly spoke to him with the gentle question, “What doest thou here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9). After asking, “What are you doing here?” the Omnipotent One then issued to a now-humbled Elijah a series of special assignments that furthered the kingdom of God. Could going forth to carry them out feel risky? Possibly so. But Elijah’s life had meaning and purpose again—and when the Almighty as signs a mission, His powerful might accompanies the missionary.
Faced with terminal illness, Hezekiah pleaded with God to grant him more time on this earth.
But a longer life on this fallen planet, while desirable, is not re ally the most worthwhile aim we can have. Our priority should be to fulfill the purpose entrusted to us by the One who created that life.
As Bible believers, we understand that the best end-goal and purpose is to submit our human will to God’s divine will. The more we try to save our life for selfish purposes, the more we are inclined to make faulty compromises that will disappoint our heavenly Father and ultimately spoil our joy and jeopardize our eternal salvation.
Jesus makes it clear: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” “Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it” (Luke 9:24; 17:33).
The truth about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness:
How can the average agnostic person take a leap of faith to benefit from the gospel?
Three simple desires—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—are typically something everyone craves. How can they be achieved?
This issue of The Reformation Herald magazine speaks much about liberty—so let’s look here a little deeper into life and the pursuit of happiness:
It’s interesting to observe how much the Ten Commandments—the holy law of Jehovah, promote happiness. Each of these directives is actually a promise, a promise of peace in the heart made new by the creative power of Jesus Christ, through whom the entire universe was made out of nothing. “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Sonby whom also he made the worldsthe worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear the covenantI will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, . . . . Through faith we understand that . . . . This is I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, ” (Hebrews 1:1, 2; 11:3; 10:16).
The strengthto them gave he power God gives for obedience is available right now! Why? “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . As many as received him, to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:1, 12).
Jesus explains that He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The life He led on earth marks a path for human beings to follow. The way He leads by both His teaching and example is the right way, the key to happiness.
As for reality, Jesus exemplifies honesty itself. Every human being has flaws, but, as the Son of God, Christ did not; His character was without blemish. The “fact checks” from Him are 100% pure, through and through. In today’s world full of misdisTruthinformation resulting from mistakes often made in human frailty, as well as rampant information with a malicious bias intending to deceive, Jesus is a refreshing contrast without peer. He is, in fact, itself.
As for the LifeI am, the Scripture reveals, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man” (John 5:26, 27). Jesus explained, “ the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).
In society right now, many people—even most—seem to be anxious and troubled. Multitudes are perplexed by all the evil that is happening; many minds are wondering why they even exist in a world with such dismal prospects.
The traditional, biblical family unit has long been a source of comfort and solace—but as more breakdowns are occurring, the sense of loss is felt. Even the secular world is recognizing this. Those to whom family has been an important source of solace, now suffer disappointment and discouragement from the estrangement. As another factor, some experts are seeing issues involving loss of motivation too often connected, for example, to the increased legalization of marijuana use as well as vaping and other forms of intemperance. As so many people are dazed in a zombie-like stupor, they have lost their zest for life.
What is the remedy for the dark cloud that has figuratively blanketed the inhabitants of the globe? Many still find some measure of fulfillment in their work—whether it be what they do to earn a paycheck or otherwise.
Some try to fill in an empty void by acquiring material things. Having more resources might provide you with more options in life, but the reality is that possessions do not bring peace. How often do we hear of some rich, famous person whose life is empty and meaningless. A prime example is king Solomon, renown throughout history as the pinnacle of wealth. But how did this great monarch bemoan his experience?
Even with tremendous riches he had amassed, Solomon testified, “I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards: I made me gardens and orchards: . . . I got me servants and maidens: . . . I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem. . . . And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy. . . Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spiritI hated life, and there was no profit under the sun. . . . Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity. For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool. Therefore ; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit” (Ecclesiastes 2:4–12, 15–17).
Not only material things! Solomon became very lustful as well. The Bible says he took to himself 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines. After indulging himself with so many, many attractive and alluring women of various sorts, he finally concluded, “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). How rare to find either a man or woman that truly fears the Lord. Without that, the promiscuous lifestyle even of monarch was not found to be a satisfying venture.
Solomon’s life was empty in its pursuit of earthly things as its highest good. The altars he erected to heathen gods served only to teach him how vain is their promise of rest to the soul.
The problem of Solomon certainly repeats itself with many today. The king of Israel finally regained his love for life by turning to the God of his fathers—the God who, at the beginning of his reign, had been his God.
With that decision, he came to a conclusion for himself as well as making the earnest appeal to the rest of us: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. . . . Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:1, 13, 14).
“Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28).
It has been observed that doing something for someone else with no prospect of compensation can be a significant source of life’s meaning. The more you own, the more your things own you—yet for the acts of kindness you freely give to others, you receive an abundant return.
Modern research indicates that a sense of mission for others improves one’s ability to flourish in life and promotes physical and mental health.
“Researchers analyzed data from 40 published papers and found evidence that volunteers had a 20 percent lower risk of death than non-volunteers. In addition, volunteers had lower levels of depression, increased life satisfaction and enhanced wellbeing.”1
Further studies have found that practicing compassion—in making a positive difference in someone else’s life—we gain a blessing for ourselves as well. What are some little ways we can do this on a daily basis? This is a biblical principle— yet here are a few points that even secular experts acknowledge as key to sound mental health and wellbeing:
1. Being supportive of others. It’s not good to flatter people in order to try to make them like us. But all need a word of encouragement sometimes. All of us like to have some assurance that what we have done is somehow valued by others. So, when you tell someone else you appreciate something good that they have done, you actually feel better, too!
2. Having compassion for others’ mistakes. All of us feel embarrassed when we make a mistake. But notice how much better you feel when someone at least understands that what you did wrong was not by evil intent, malice, or stupidity. So likewise, when you comfort someone facing their own faults, you feel better, too.
3. Making a positive difference in someone's life. Taking a friend to lunch, giving a little gift, letting someone merge ahead of you in traffic or in a grocery line—simple little acts of self-denial such as these actually bring a blessing to yourself, too.
4. Making constructive comments to others. Society today painfully reeks of criticism, gossip, and slander. Our words are powerful, for good and for bad. But by thinking of something positive to say about someone, we can escape the trap of tearing people down.
5. Avoiding doing anything that would be harmful to others. When faced with a verbal attack, silently walking away is often the best remedy to the situation.
6. Avoiding being self-centered. Those who are preoccupied over themselves and the impression they’re making on others are missing the real beauty of social interaction. We are designed by God to serve, not to be served. Life’s greatest pleasure is found in service to our fellowmen. 7. Avoiding doing things that are unhelpful to others. Besides benefiting others, developing a constant mindset of helpfulness does wonders to boost our own morale.
One of the very best books to be found on mental health is a two-volume set entitled, Mind, Character, and Personality, by Ellen G. White. This inspired work is a powerful testimonial of how to put principles such as these into practice in the most effective way.
The Lord knows best. For example, the overall concept of the benefits of practicing compassion brings to mind the ancient words penned by the prophet Isaiah as he unveils the plan of our Creator:
“Is not this the fast I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy re reward” (Isaiah 58:6–8).
“Good deeds are twice a blessing, benefiting both the giver and the receiver of the kindness. The consciousness of rightdoing is one of the best medicines for diseased bodies and minds. When the mind is free and happy from a sense of duty well done and the satisfaction of giving happiness to others, the cheering, uplifting influence brings new life to the whole being.
“Let the invalid, instead of constantly requiring sympathy, seek to impart it. Let the burden of your own weakness and sorrow and pain be cast upon the compassion ate Saviour. Open your heart to His love, and let it flow out to others. Remember that all have trials hard to bear, temptations hard to resist, and you may do something to lighten these burdens. Express gratitude for the blessings you have; show appreciation of the attentions you receive. Keep the heart full of the precious promises of God, that you may bring forth from this treasure, words that will be a comfort and strength to others. This will sur round you with an atmosphere that will be helpful and uplifting. Let it be your aim to bless those around you, and you will find ways of being helpful, both to the members of your own family and to others.
“If those who are suffering from ill-health would forget self in their interest for others; if they would fulfill the Lord's command to minister to those more needy than themselves, they would realize the truth fulness of the prophetic promise, ‘Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily.’ ”2
It’s found nowhere on earth. It comes from Heaven and is freely offered to us through the power of the Omnipotent Creator who made the universe out of nothing:
“God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).
“The glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which ‘seeketh not her own’ has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.
“In the beginning, God was revealed in all the works of creation. It was Christ that spread the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth. It was His hand that hung the worlds in space, and fashioned the flowers of the field. ‘His strength setteth fast the mountains.’ ‘The sea is His, and He made it.’ Psalm 65:6; 95:5. It was He that filled the earth with beauty, and the air with song. And upon all things in earth, and air, and sky, He wrote the message of the Father's love.
“Now sin has marred God’s perfect work, yet that handwriting remains. Even now all created things declare the glory of His excellence. There is nothing, save the selfish heart of man, that lives unto itself. No bird that cleaves the air, no animal that moves upon the ground, but ministers to some other life. There is no leaf of the forest, or lowly blade of grass, but has its ministry. Every tree and shrub and leaf pours forth that element of life without which neither man nor animal could live; and man and ani mal, in turn, minister to the life of tree and shrub and leaf. The flowers breathe fragrance and unfold their beauty in blessing to the world. The sun sheds its light to gladden a thousand worlds. The ocean, itself the source of all our springs and fountains, receives the streams from every land, but takes to give. The mists ascending from its bosom fall in showers to water the earth, that it may bring forth and bud.
“The angels of glory find their joy in giving—giving love and tireless watchcare to souls that are fallen and unholy. Heavenly beings woo the hearts of men; they bring to this dark world light from the courts above; by gentle and patient minis try they move upon the human spirit, to bring the lost into a fellowship with Christ which is even closer than they themselves can know.
“But turning from all lesser representations, we behold God in Jesus. Looking unto Jesus we see that it is the glory of our God to give. ‘I do nothing of Myself,’ said Christ; ‘the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father.’ ‘I seek not Mine own glory,’ but the glory of Him that sent Me. John 8:28; 6:57; 8:50; 7:18. In these words is set forth the great principle which is the law of life for the universe. All things Christ received from God, but He took to give. So in the heavenly courts, in His ministry for all created beings: through the beloved Son, the Father's life flows out to all; through the Son it returns, in praise and joyous service, a tide of love, to the great Source of all. And thus through Christ the circuit of beneficence is complete, representing the character of the great Giver, the law of life.”3
Let us therefore join in that circuit of beneficence and thereby enjoy infinite purpose and meaning in life! Amen.