By Elsa 
I believe that we were made for a greater life, but we miss out on it when we live apart from God.
Track with me
We were created by God, for God. He designed our minds, our bodies and the earth we live in. Human beings were God’s idea, and we exist to have a relationship with him. But we choose to do our own thing, and as a result, we separate ourselves from him.
Do you see it? If we were created to be in relationship with God, but instead we separate ourselves from him and live life otherwise, isn’t that living below our purpose?
Why do we separate ourselves from God?
The idea that we really miss out on something when we live away from God can be hard to believe. On the contrary, we tend to believe that life with him is rather boring or restrictive, and that being without him is freer and more fun. Sometimes, we want to have just enough of him for our comfort but not ‘too much’. We watch people who don’t acknowledge God live attractive, successful and seemingly happy lives. And so, we go after things and a life that leave him behind. But can we re-think this?
Back to the drawing board
For a moment, think of your favorite singer or rapper. Imagine your favorite sports player, or the intellectuals you admire. Picture the gadgets and cars that are incredible to behold. Imagine the coolest imagery and productions you’ve seen, watched, or listened to. All of these talents, expressions, and creations are a glimpse of the majesty of God. Because man was created in God’s image, God is the purest, richest and most pleasurable form of all the things we find cool.
Can you then see how chasing these things void of God, or removing him from them is like having them in a reduced or lesser state? It’s like taking the essence of a thing right out of it.
Instead, imagine living with all these amazing expressions and talents, but in their original purpose. In a way that they celebrate rather than grieve God. Imagine how a life with God, the One who is quintessential of all good pleasure, is actually and in fact more satisfying, pleasurable, fun, enjoyable, rich, exciting…you name it.
How much we need Him
Despite our separation from him, God gave everything he had to get us back. Jesus died to give us a life where we’re back in relationship with God.
Okay, let’s narrow in on that for a minute. You kind of have to ask: what is it that is so lacking or harmful about living without God, that Jesus had to suffer and die for us to be restored to back to him?
Well, even though living without God can look attractive- it’s actually harmful and leaves the part of us which is created for relationship with God further separated from him. God knew that we are destitute without him and, in love, made a way back to him.
The way that is really good
This is not a contention between two good ways of life. It’s a conversation about the way that seems good and the way that is really good.
Sometimes, we’re in-between living for God and living a life of the world. But I hope we’ve began to see that God is the source of whatever it is we desire- in its best form. For a moment, imagine that giving your whole heart to God is the best thing you can do.
Dare to imagine that he is cooler, more satisfying and richer than the glamour of the world without him.
Sincerely,
Elsa