Holy majesty, never far from me

Pervading beauty, silent and patient

What else but god's love could turn a nation?

Yet you are near, O' Lord, and all your commands are true -Ps. 119:151

I was recently in my philosophy class. Our instructor, Dr. Van Heemst, was delivering a lesson on Socrates. Socrates was someone who had great faith in what he considered to be truth. His faith was so strong that he actually invited death, because he knew there was something better for him after his earthly life.

I don't believe that what Socrates was the whole truth, obviously. However, something our instructor asked us after we read this hit my like a knife going through my chest. He asked the simple question, "Do you have so much faith in something that you would be willing to die for it?" I invite you to truly ponder that.

You see, just about every Christian I know will hear that question and say almost automatically, "I'd die for God." Many people who respond this way, however, haven't lived fully for God, so how can they be sure they would die for Him?

What do you live your life for? What do you care the most about? What is your life worth?

That day, I was reminded of just how short our lives are on this planet. When you're gone from this world, what will people remember you most for? "Oh he was so nice." "He was a great worker at his 9 to 5 job for 50 years." This is the direction that so many of us are going in. Why? Is it because we are being led by God in this direction? Probably not. The truth is this: we lose sight of how close God is to us.

You're probably saying, "What?!" after that. I will elaborate. The Bible tells us to be servants of God on earth, realizing constantly that this world is not our home but rather heaven is. It tells us that we are to be doing the Lord's work down here. Is this work passive and easy? NO WAY! This is a constant struggle for so many of us. I hate hearing from my friends or family that I'm "crazy" or "wasting my time on silly things when I could be making money." However, when I feel that way, I lose sight of how close God is to me. God is standing next to me, to all of us, constantly, trying to guide us. However, we become blinded to this sometimes and that leads to sadness or grief. We lose that faith that He is right here, along with us.

So I ask you again, just as Dr. Van Heemst asked me that windy April day: "Do you believe so strongly in something that you would give up your entire life for it?"

Are you dying for it right now?