It seems to me that there are lots of things that matter in life. But, sometimes one is faced – or confronted, with the brevity of life. Like when someone you know is suddenly taken from this life. Death, can come so quickly. It catches us, it takes by surprise. It leaves its deep shock in our spirit.
So then, what matters? Just having fun? Doing lots of good things? Having lots of friends? Laughter? Joy? Or, as the cynics, might say… nothing.
No. There are things that matter.
In the end it comes down to relationships. Many will agree. But sort of beyond that, is the matter of purpose. And that can be summed up in two things:
(1) Participating in the “mandate”, the great agenda, for creation. Which is, having been blessed, to then…: ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth’ (see Genesis 1:28)
(2) Participating in the “gospel”, the great hope, and certainty, for the future of creation. That is, pausing long enough for the resurrection and crucifixion, to have their full effect upon one’s life, causing a great change of mind… for the better.
So then, may you be in the things that matter. Mowing a lawn, or catching a fish, or studying the galaxies, or nursing a sick child – these are creational things.
And, unfolding the mystery of life – Christ Jesus – that is a gospel thing.
Both are good to do. Both need each other, not just for balance, but for fulness of life, and for exercising our true humanity; and for joy – ah yes, joy, and for – well, making true sense of it all. Cheers!
And The Rock was Christ 
This post really spoke to me. I hope you don’t mind that I’ve linked to your post. 🙂
In Him,
Susan
Hello Susan, thanks for your comments. Your link is most welcome. You certainly seem to have a few contacts, who like to visit you Web site. All the best with your ministry! Kind regards, in Christ, Trevor.
Enjoyed this blog very much.
After looking at your bog spot I I thought I would quote a verse in an Australian popular song ‘ From little things big things grow.’ Who knows where this will take you or the scope of its influence.
P.s I am listening to Karl Barth message. He does inded have a unique accent. I wish I could vibrate mr R’s like him
G’day Hendo,
good to hear from you!
Yeah, who knows where?
Reminds me of Ecclesiastes:
11:1 ¶ Send out your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will get it back.
2 Divide your means seven ways, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may happen on earth.
3 When clouds are full, they empty rain on the earth; whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.
4 Whoever observes the wind will not sow; and whoever regards the clouds will not reap.
5 Just as you do not know how the breath comes to the bones in the mother’s womb, so you do not know the work of God, who makes everything.
6 In the morning sow your seed, and at evening do not let your hands be idle; for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.
I guess you heard of Geoff …going home!
cheers, Trevor