LIVE FOR GOD

“LIVE FOR GOD”. This is the thought that has been occupying my mind for the past several days. Hence, I have been reflecting on “WHY” and “HOW” I could put this into practice.

First is the “WHY?”

I believe that life is a gift from God. It is given to every human being who comes into this world. Since it is a gift, I have to accept, treasure and use it according to what may be called “Manual for Operations”. This manual comes from God Himself Who in His infinite wisdom has designed every human being in a unique way which gives him a unique personality that is different from every other human being. Hence, it is but proper to always consider God’s Will in the way I live.

Second is the “HOW?”

How to live according to the Will of God is now the question.

First of all, I have to know the Will of God. This requires my sincere desire to know God’s Will and to search for it in the many different ways by which God manifests His Will. Some of the ways by which God manifests His Will are:
1. The Holy Scripture. This is the written Word of God which if I properly and regularly reflect upon always gives me a direction for my actions.
2. Spiritual Writings. Reading spiritual books gives much enlightenment on how I can tackle problems or difficulties that come to my life.
3. Viewpoints of others. Listening to oral deliveries of the viewpoints of others also give inspiring thoughts that can serve as guidelines for my actions.
4. Observations. My observations of actual happenings in life can likewise give important insights in understanding some mysteries of life.
5. Personal Experiences. My personal experiences further strengthen my convictions on the REALITIES that provide the basic values that should govern my life.

After knowing the Will of God, I always PRAY for enough courage to pursue it in the best way I can and with all the love I can give. This to me is the test of my sincerity in trying to LIVE FOR GOD. This is also when my attitude is tested on whether I am really GOD CENTERED or SELF CENTERED. This, I believe, is what Our Lord Jesus Christ meant when He said: “He who wants to be my disciple must deny himself, take up his cross daily and come follow Me.” (Lk. 9:23)

To LIVE FOR GOD, then, means to me “TO BE GOD CENTERED”.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

Nov. 21, 2010