Seven Things That Make Life Worthwhile
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Written by Jimmie Burroughs 
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What good is wealth and fame if you don’t enjoy life…? Is it true that “A person can have everything and still have nothing?”
One of the top stories this morning is “Top Gun director dies after jumping off bridge.”
LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Tony Scott, director of such Hollywood hits as ‘Top Gun,’ ‘Days of Thunder’ and ‘Beverly Hills Cop II’ died Sunday after jumping from a Los Angeles County bridge, authorities said.”
“The 68-year-old Scott’s death was being investigated as a suicide, Los Angeles County Coroner’s Lt. Joe Bale said.” Full story By CHRISTOPHER WEBER
When I read this article, there were already over 3,000 comments of all types. Some made fun of the matter; others showed respect and empathy for the family; some made brash statements. One said, “A person can have everything and still have nothing.” It was perceived to be written by a Christian, and what followed was a list of comments bashing Christians calling them Bible thumpers and nut bags.
Ironically, today immense care is taken to protect homosexuals and Muslims from any negative statements while Christians continue to be open season to all types of ridicule. I’m against bashing gays or Muslims for what they believe or anyone else as long as their intentions aren’t to cause harm to others. The truth is I expect to be ridiculed for what I believe as a Christian because that it is the way it’s been throughout the ages. More Christians have lost their lives in the last hundred years across the world, because of their stand for Jesus Christ, than all history put together. Jesus had his share of it also and laid down his life at the hands of his enemies. Jesus said,” Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you,” (Matthew 5:11, 12).
However, I found it odd that a lot of those comments said that the statement “A person can have everything and still have nothing” is judging others. Actually it isn’t judging; it is a paraphrase of a verse found in the Bible. “What does it prosper a person if they gain the whole world and lose their own soul?” (Matthew 16:26). “Lose their own soul” in this case means losing all enthusiasm for life. Apparently, people who take their own life have lost all motivation to live. The essence of that verse means that a person can be so involved in gaining the material things of the world and still have nothing because they miss out on living and enjoying their life.
What good is wealth and fame if you don’t enjoy life? It isn’t at all unusual to hear of rich and famous people who take their own life. It is true what the commenter said, “A person can have everything and still have nothing.” It is a misconception held by the majority that somehow in order to have a happy life you need a lot of money and recognition. It’s certainly not a bad thing to have recognition for the things you accomplish in life, or is it a bad thing to have money. It takes more than wealth and fame alone to make a good life. My purpose today is to list seven things that do make life worthwhile:
- Money
- Recognition
- Health
- Family
- Friends
- Purpose
- Spirituality
Money
Yes, I did mention money as one of the things that help to add meaning to life. Money is important, not the most important thing but important. It is no pleasure to be unable to pay your bills, or have enough money to put food on the table, or to have adequate clothes and shelter. In America, the land of the free, there usually is no reason why most people can’t have enough money to supply their basic needs. It is often not managing the money one has that result in not having enough to pay living expenses.
For example, two people on a limited income that smoke and drink and purchase lottery tickets use up a large sum of money each year that could go towards providing a better lifestyle. Learning how to manage your money is a key to having a meaningful life. That is also a key to becoming rich. It actually isn’t how much a person earns, but how they manage what they earn that makes the difference in the quality of life. Read “Ten ways for mastering your finances in 2012.”
One of the greatest financial misconceptions is thinking that a larger house or a more expensive automobile will add meaning to your life that you desire. The pleasure of owning either of those two things is short lived, but when you strain your budget to buy them, they can cause a lot of financial grief on the long term.
It is especially crucial to have enough money for retirement. Having money at retirement means that you can travel, and do some of the things you weren’t able to do when you were busy working every day. Once again, this only happens when you manage your money and invest for retirement when you are young and working. Remember also that you don’t have to go to Europe first class to have a meaningful life. There are numerous things within driving distance that are some of the greatest world attractions right here in America that people in Europe are eager to come and experience.
Recognition
People deserve recognition for things they accomplish, especially things they do to serve others. However, they often don’t receive it because showing gratitude to others is an trait that many do not have. It is said that gratitude is of the rarest of human qualities. It doesn’t have to be that way with you. Pay gratitude to others who deserve it. Especially do this to your own family. You know how good it makes you feel to receive recognition; why not show others recognition and add something to their life.
Health
Your own good health is more valuable than all the money and fame in the world. And you have considerable control over it. There are of course times when health issues arise regardless of how well we take care of ourselves, but in a general sense we do have exceptional control over our health. First, If we avoid things that are proven to alter health, we guarantee ourselves better health; for example, by avoiding smoking, drinking, drugs, fatty foods and consistently over indulging in food.
Dropping harmful addictive habits can require professional advice, and a lot of determination, but a healthy diet isn’t as hard as it might seem. You don’t have to be nutritionists to know how to plan a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet isn’t necessarily living on wheat germ and alfalfa shoots. There are many familiar delicious tasting super foods that are available. Here are five that you need to include in your diet each week: Apples, tomatoes, eggs, nuts, and salmon. Those are some of my favorites. Two of the greatest super foods are beans of all kinds and Greens: turnip, collard, and kale. Do some computerized research on foods that you like and choose a new healthier diet for yourself.
Second, if we exercise regularly, we not only enjoy better health, but also have more strength and energy to do things that we enjoy. You don’t have to join a health club to exercise. There are plenty of simple home exercises that you can do, and walking is one of the best kinds of exercise that most anyone can do. I have only one ten pound weight that I use daily in conjunction to other exercises and walking.
Family
What is overlooked the most for what constitutes a meaningful life is right in front of our eyes, our family. Enjoying your family and spending time with them is at the top of the list of meaningful experiences in life. As I look back on my life, the times when I was surrounded by family, having little kids and wife around were some of the most meaningful times of my life. Be sure to enjoy that time in your life, because it goes away quickly. But even after the kids are grown and gone there still can be a meaningful relationship plus there are usually grand kids that are a sheer joy.
Friends
“No man is an island.” We need each other. Friends are extremely valuable in order to have meaning in life. The support and love we receive from each other is far more precious than money. “People need people as the song says.” One of the greatest needs in life is developing a network of friends. It isn’t as easy to make friends in the new age world where people seem to be absorbed and occupied. A person can be lonely even in large cities where there are millions of people. A time was when whole communities knew each other and visited. Today you usually need to be part of some organization where people have some commonality to make friends.
Purpose
Everyone has a purpose for being on earth; finding your purpose and vigorously pursuing it can give meaning to your life. Enjoying your work regardless if it is perceived to be glamorous is rewarding. Have purpose, purpose that serves the needs of others. What if everyone was an actor, entertainer or athlete? People would starve to death with no farmers to grow the food, no farm workers to harvest the food, no grocery stores to sell food, or restaurants to serve food. However you choose to earn a living if honest, is valuable and needed.
Spirituality
More than anything else in my life, the spiritual connection I’ve had with God has given me joy, contentment and purpose. Even through the extremely difficult times of my life and perhaps especially during those times, God’s presence has brought me through. I can’t imagine going through life alone without God. Of all the things that add meaning to life I can think of nothing that is more valuable than my relationship with God.
I know that if you have never experienced that sort of thing, it can seem rather strange, but; nevertheless, it is true. Not only do I attest to it, but millions of others have experienced the same. I know it is easy to make fun of Christians and reject all Christians as nut bags. If that is your position, you are terribly mistaken. Although there are some nut cases in every group, Christianity being no exception, there are plenty of highly intelligent and knowledgeable people who are Christians from all walks of life, so it’s not just a bunch of nut bags who have come together to accept some 2,000 years old collection of mythology and foolishness.
Christianity is a serious consideration; it is of the essence that you make the right decision. You can’t afford just to accept what the critics say and join them in their mockery of Christianity, and go merely on your way. Critics are often mistaken. You can’t afford to be wrong on this one any more than an airplane pilot can be wrong on the location of the landing strip. “Eternity is too long to be wrong.” If Christians do happen to be wrong, they have nothing to lose, but unbelievers have everything at stake. The eternal welfare of their soul is at stake. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that there is a heaven and hell, and everyone on earth will go to one of those two places. Jesus mentioned hell many times. I hope you will at least take the time to think about it.
Conclusion
May I suggest that the Christians I’ve known are far from being nut bags; some of the best and most intelligent people I’ve ever met are Christians. They don’t want to say hurtful and demeaning things about anyone, even those who are the most critical and outspoken against Christianity. Traditionally Christians have gone the extra mile to help others around them. They have volunteered their services, given their money and even risked their lives for others. My purpose in this article is not to try to scare you or try to push you into becoming a Christian, but it is to give you a valid reason to; at least consider it.
Jimmie Burroughs: Founder of Christian personal development.
About the author: Jimmie Burroughs is a motivational speaker and author who has been involved in teaching Christian Personal Development for more than 30 years. There are hundreds of articles to help you on this website (Website Contents ) in your personal growth. If I can help you personally, please send your concerns via Contact me.
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