Our days are filled with all sorts of drama. And it’s easy to get caught up in the latest events. While much of this is simply life in the world, it can also shift our focus and attention to trying to control the outcomes of this life, which will eventually leave us disheartened. Centering ourselves on love helps us to maintain our sanity as we shine as lights in a dark world.
On the one hand, of course we will have some investment in the outcomes of this life. We’re embedded in our communities and we’re not unaffected by the direction it takes, for better or worse. At the same time, we’re prone to pride or vengeance when we’re overly attached to this world.
For instance, when things are going well, we might assume our blessings are due to our own efforts rather than a gift from God. Likewise, when we’re disappointed, we might assume we need to take matters into our own hands to correct the situation. Neither of these positions are fueled by love.
The better way is to keep our hearts centered on Love. Love is not detached or removed from the drama of this life. In fact, we’re called to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. Love is to be fully present with our family, friends, neighbors, and even enemies – providing what’s needed even when it comes with a high cost.
But, as Love, it’s also more concerned with the Larger Story God is telling – holding loosely the triumphs and the disappointments of this life. To be sure, love is ultimately concerned with us being formed into the image of Christ. And we must filter all the drama of this life through this lens: Is it helping us to become more like Christ, or not?
In the end, to be centered on love is for our whole life to be focused on becoming more like Jesus. This elevates our vision and keeps the drama of this world, whether good or bad, from taking us out.
Photo by Marius Christensen on Unsplash
