Is Your Life Significant?

"I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." - Matthew 16:18 (NASU)

The words of Jesus above spoken to Peter conveyed many meanings. They were not only an utterance of prophecy. They were meant also to build up and to give Peter a life of significance. Peter was a man given to impulse, a characteristic that belied an obvious need to be esteemed.

There are many like Peter, people who desire a life of significance. Yet, in this world of increasing materialism, instant gratification and compromised morals, finding significance is more like a search for the Holy Grail.

Still, living a life of significance is possible. It begins with four thoughts we can find in the verse quoted above.

1. KNOW YOU ARE SPECIAL ("...You are Peter"). Jesus wasn't merely reminding Peter of his name. He was, in effect, saying, "You are somebody. In fact, you're no longer Simon the fisherman, but Peter the rock!"

God doesn't create junk. He created you with a perfect and eternal plan in mind that, when fulfilled, will reveal the profound love God has for all mankind. He's given you skills, talents and gifts so you can do your part in that divine plan.

2. KNOW YOUR PURPOSE ("...upon this rock I will build My church"). God's divine plan is fulfilled when we realize that we are in this world for a purpose. Certainly that purpose isn't confined in building our own home, owning the latest car model or wearing the most expensive jewelry.

Our purpose would definitely have something to do with other people. Thus, we must find our purpose in serving others or meeting their needs. A purpose that seeks to benefit others is not only noble, it is divine.

3. KNOW YOUR WEAKNESSES ("...and the gates of Hades will not overpower it"). What defeats divine purpose is our weaknesses, because weaknesses tend to feed the self and cause problems (e.g. Peter's denial of Jesus).

Yet, when we admit our weaknesses and seek to correct them, we consequently mature and become more of a blessing to those we serve or relate with. In turn, we also help others mature. We must not go through life with a defeatist but a victoriuos attitude. This means we must first conquer our weaknesses.

4. KNOW WHO GOD IS ("I also say to you..."). It was Jesus who was addressing Peter, therefore he was trustworthy and believable. But, more than this, he was the Son of God!

And this is the crux of the matter: It is within a relationship with God that we can find significance in our lives. It's not about religion; it's not about doctrines and dogma; it's not about church and denomination.

It's about relationship. In our mundane world, we need to be able to touch the divine. To do so is to begin to live a life of significance.

Copyright © 2004 DF Mapa

DF Mapa has been writing for over 20 years and his articles have appeared in various online and offline publications. He is the Associate and Youth Pastor of Banilad Alliance Fellowship (http://baniladalliance.org).To subscribe to receive these weekly messages, send a blank e-mail to: fromthewilderness-subscribe@yahoogroups.co m or visit our website.

---

Muslims Are Losing Ground

Salmon Rushdie may have been the first to flee the... Read More

What They Mean By Child-Like Faith

Prv:18:2 A Fool Receiveth Not The Words Of Prudence: Unless... Read More

The Lost and Found

When we think in terms of what it means for... Read More

A Powerful Word For Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones

For what it is worth, I'd thought I'd pass this... Read More

Cut Off Your Hand!

Cut off your Hand!Arguably the most bizarre command of Christ... Read More

Gods Armorbearer & The Ministry of Details

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles,... Read More

Politics and Christianity

Revelation 20:1-20:10Politics and Christianity - there has been many an... Read More

Pomes II

Here are a few pomes that may encourage you to... Read More

The Greatest Love and Self-image

The Greek language had three words for "Love" First there... Read More

Mirrors of Reality

Have you ever looked into a mirror and wondered what... Read More

Surely Not ALL Evils!

Surely, Not All Evils!(circa 2000)St. Paul wrote a letter to... Read More

Ultimate Truth:The Invitation

Religion is so many things. From what we can see... Read More

Being In-Between Religions

Who said religion has to last a lifetime?When I was... Read More

Your Focus Determines Your Reality

"Your focus determines your reality", this famous line was spoken... Read More

The Rapture: A Twinkling of an Eye

A father savagely murders his nine children. A stay at... Read More

Paul?s Letter to 21st Century Christians

Dear Readers, I received a letter this week that is... Read More

Mystery, not Myth: Jesus Christ is real!

In the children's section of any bookstore, books on the... Read More

How the Christian Right is Blowing It

I am not a particularly pious person and I certainly... Read More

Sins and the REAL Demons

We all must know that the Catholic Church has used... Read More

Of Snakes and Terrorism

With the passing of Arafat, the Middle East will take... Read More

Under Siege!

This Article is the result of another hard night of... Read More

Is it God Descending from Heaven or Another UFO?

The world that we live in today is in imminent... Read More

Possibilities in Prayer

Prostrateology is the theological term for the doctrine of prayer.... Read More

Religion and Social Engineering - Part of an Introduction

Thomas Carlyle is just one of the interesting characters who... Read More

Amos And Social Justice Part 2

Amos was summoned by God to warn the Northern Kingdom... Read More

The Kabbalah Kraze!

I remember hearing a minister years ago as he quoted... Read More

The Athiests Enigma

As an ancient African-American gospel song laments, life is filled... Read More

Octopussy

The graven image exclusion as told in the Bible certainly... Read More

Why More Priests Need To Train As Fighters (And Why We Dont See Many Boxers In Church)

"Therefore I do not run like a man... Read More

Living Proof: We are Living in the Days of Noah

A familiar phrase used in Bible prophecy is the term... Read More

Revealing

It is written in Revelation 1:1 The revelation of Jesus... Read More

Is God Prejudiced?

The first thing I would like to do is give... Read More

Rudraksha Beads - For Health, Wealth & Spirituality

The Tears of Lord Shiva that are Rudraksha, are the... Read More