“Dear friends, continue to build up each other in your most holy faith—that is, in the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Gospel. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit—adoring Jesus together and bringing each other to the throne of grace. Eagerly, patiently, expectantly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ—for that day is the Day of consummate mercy, the fullness of eternal life and all things new. You’ll earn nothing by living this way, but you will abide and grow in God’s love together. What more could you want?” (Paraphrase of Jude 20-22)
Dear Jesus, many of us have Pilates, fishing, reading club, pickle ball, investing, “artsy,” bocce-playing, pet-friendly, and/or “foodie” friends. Thank you for each and all of these groups, delights, and hobbies. For there is sweetness “under the sun” in all of these ways we get to share life.
But today we take to heart your half-brother Jude’s recipe for a well-lived life. We can build a very full life, schedule, and calendar and yet make very little space for the “biggies” and best:
Thoughts of eternity
Knowing and being with you
Becoming healthy and whole
Loving others and being known
Jesus, we don’t want to be envied for a moment, but fools forever. Fill our hearts, days, and friendships yourself. It’s not that life is to be one non-ending Bible study and prayer meeting. But you didn’t come into this world to be an add-on, life-enhancer, or merely our moral ballast. Jesus, you are God—the way, truth, and life—Creator and Sustainer of all things—our most loving Savior, reigning King, and returning Bridegroom. Hallelujah!
Invade, inhabit, infuse every area of our lives with your truth, goodness, and beauty. It won’t mean living more “religiously,” but living more as yours. So Very Amen.