In this age of being always connected online, one might think that there are ready answers to be found from the internet. Recently, I had the good fortune of eating a dish cooked by a friend who found the recipe online and I must say that it tasted nice. She just cooked it simply as shown to her through YouTube.
Out of curiosity, I wanted to know what the world would say to live life to the fullest. One interesting link which I found was this – https://personalexcellence.co/blog/101-ways-to-live-your-life-to-the-fullest/ If you go through this web page, one might think that these are excellent suggestions. On a closer look, I think there is something lacking in that list. For John 10:7-11 says:
7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
One can have life abundantly only because of the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. His sheep must listen to Jesus and trust Him only.
Next, I wanted to know how to always be happy if possible. Another link which I found was this – https://liveboldandbloom.com/09/self-improvement/how-to-be-happy-yourself
Again at the end of the list, it came close to the answer. And I believe as John 15:7-11 tells us:
7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
As God’s children, we are to abide in the True Vine, abide in His Word, abide in His love, and keep His commandments, so that our joy may be full and complete.
Maybe the next time, I will try searching – how to write a pastoral column!
Ps Frankie Koh