Endless Longing
Have you ever had that nagging feeling that you should be doing something more with your life? It is an itch, a longing. You desperately want to scratch it. However, you cannot seem to reach it.
This is a common feeling especially during the first days of the year. You look back at the past year and feel that it could be better. The more discerning of us would reflect and make a list that they could do better. You could be healthier, wealthier, and wiser this year as long as you do the right things.
Human Wisdom
Conventional wisdom would tell us to look to those who have gone before and attained success for advice. So, we seek the ones who have climbed mountains instead of those who dwell on valleys. Indeed, those who are more experienced can help us scratched our itch.
But what happens after you scratch that itch? Would you find another itch to scratch? This cycle of itching and scratching is like an endless run on a hedonic treadmill. We will always chase after the next pleasurable thing.
This is the problem with conventional wisdom. It rarely leaves the sphere of the commonplace. The itch that we have is something deeper. No budgeting plan, workout routine, and self-help book can pinpoint it. What you need is a mirror.
Who Are You?
You need to have a good look at yourself and discover who you are. When you know who you are, then you will discover that the itch was actually an endless longing.
In Genesis, we learn that we were made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26.) Just imagine the most powerful being staring at you and seeing His reflection. It must astound Him. Are you astounded by your reflection?
It goes without saying that you are more than just good-looking. When God created man, he called us very good (Genesis 1:31.) So, this feeling of wanting to do more is not just a human itch. It is a divine longing.
We are not just visually like God. Our essence also reflects Him. God is love (1 John 4:16.) When you consider God, He is three Persons loving each other perfectly. The Father perfectly loves the Son and the Spirit. The Son perfectly loves the Father and the Spirit. The Spirit perfectly loves the Father and the Son. The Holy Trinity is a family loving each other.
Since we are Images of God, we will always want to love someone. It is the divinity in our essence that longs to love others.
What would this bode for your itch scratching? As long as the itch scratching does not involve loving people, you will always be trapped in search of another itch to scratch. No amount of resolved New Year’s resolutions could vanquish the longing if these are prisoners in the realm of self-love. You have to love somebody.
Better Resolutions
Try something new this year. Endeavor to love. Our hearts will always desire more than the usual resolutions of loving ourselves. Let your resolutions be centered on loving people more. Resolve to love like God starting today!
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