Is Your Life Significant?

"I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I willbuild My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." -Matthew 16:18 (NASU)

The words of Jesus above spoken to Peter conveyed many meanings.They were not only an utterance of prophecy. They were meant alsoto build up and to give Peter a life of significance. Peter was aman given to impulse, a characteristic that belied an obviousneed to be esteemed.

There are many like Peter, people who desire a life ofsignificance. Yet, in this world of increasing materialism,instant gratification and compromised morals, findingsignificance is more like a search for the Holy Grail.

Still, living a life of significance is possible. It begins withfour thoughts we can find in the verse quoted above.

1. KNOW YOU ARE SPECIAL ("...You are Peter"). Jesus wasn't merelyreminding Peter of his name. He was, in effect, saying, "You aresomebody. In fact, you're no longer Simon the fisherman, butPeter the rock!"

God doesn't create junk. He created you with a perfect andeternal plan in mind that, when fulfilled, will reveal theprofound love God has for all mankind. He's given you skills,talents and gifts so you can do your part in that divine plan.

2. KNOW YOUR PURPOSE ("...upon this rock I will build Mychurch"). God's divine plan is fulfilled when we realize that weare in this world for a purpose. Certainly that purpose isn'tconfined in building our own home, owning the latest car model orwearing the most expensive jewelry.

Our purpose would definitely have something to do with otherpeople. Thus, we must find our purpose in serving others ormeeting their needs. A purpose that seeks to benefit others isnot only noble, it is divine.

3. KNOW YOUR WEAKNESSES ("...and the gates of Hades will notoverpower it"). What defeats divine purpose is our weaknesses,because weaknesses tend to feed the self and cause problems (e.g.Peter's denial of Jesus).

Yet, when we admit our weaknesses and seek to correct them, weconsequently mature and become more of a blessing to those weserve or relate with. In turn, we also help others mature. Wemust not go through life with a defeatist but a victoriuosattitude. This means we must first conquer our weaknesses.

4. KNOW WHO GOD IS ("I also say to you..."). It was Jesus who wasaddressing Peter, therefore he was trustworthy and believable.But, more than this, he was the Son of God!

And this is the crux of the matter: It is within a relationshipwith God that we can find significance in our lives. It's notabout religion; it's not about doctrines and dogma; it's notabout church and denomination.

It's about relationship. In our mundane world, we need to be ableto touch the divine. To do so is to begin to live a life ofsignificance.

Copyright © 2004 DF Mapa

DF Mapa has been writing for over 20 years and his articles have appeared in various online and offline publications. He is the Associate and Youth Pastor of Banilad Alliance Fellowship (http://baniladalliance.org).To subscribe to receive these weekly messages, send a blank e-mail to:fromthewilderness-subscribe@yahoogroups.comor visit our website.