“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
-James 1:12

We all could live a fantastic life.

Jim Brown published “An Interview with God,” a fictional account where he asked God, “What surprises you most about humanity?” In part, God answered, “What surprises me most about humanity is that he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices his money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present. The result being that he does not live in the present or the future. He lives as if he is never going to die, and then he dies having never really lived.”

This is not the life for the Christian. This is not what Jesus means when he talks about the kingdom of God. Jesus offers us a much better life and, if we trust in his teachings and trust in the Holy Spirit, we receive a vibrant life that is much better than anything money, fame, or success can ever bring us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I trust in you. I open my life to the vibrant life you offer me, today and forever. Amen.

Reflection: How do you live your life open to God’s best for you?