How do you measure of your life? There are seemingly countless opinions about how one can measure his existence. There are even those who question if a man should. I am a firm believer that a man should measure the value of his existence. If he doesn’t, how can he truly know the value of his life on the earth? How can he know that his life makes a difference? More to the point,
how can he know that his life has purpose?
The Bible teaches that man is known by his fruit, or by the product of his life.
Some measure that by the physical accomplishment that they have had on the earth. They consider what they have built, developed, or acquired. Others tend to be more philosophical in their approach. They measure their life based on the relationships they have developed, the internal emotional or spiritual growth they have experienced or the intellectual knowledge they have accumulated.
The reality is that none of theses alone are equal to the measure of a man.
Each of these represent a portion of how one
should measure himself.
I have seen great men of business fail in marriage after marriage. In a recent book he published, Donald Trump devoted an entire chapter to pre-nuptial agreements. His understanding is that if you enter a marriage and you succeed in business, you can pretty much expect that marriage to fail. Therefore you should never enter a marriage without an agreement that will protect your value. My question is, “What about the value of the relationship?" Isn’t it possible that the relationship should merit more value that the earnings? Perhaps a marriage simply IS a business arrangement, designed for companionship, comfort and convenience. Frankly, that is the thing I look for when I adopt a dog.
I also consider great and powerful men – businessmen and even ministers who build huge empires. I look at their families – their sons and daughters and I see great strain on the relationships because all of the value is placed on what they are accomplishing in front of others. Very little value is placed on the development of their children.
How do you measure your fruit without considering the fruit of the relationships you build in your own offspring?
They are your legacy.
On the other end, I see people who seem to have great relationships with their family. They are close to their spouse. They have friendship and mentorship in their children. Yet, when it comes to their ability or even desire to produce in the world, they are seriously lacking. They say that they want the best for their children, but hardly produce enough to put fruit on the table. Their measure of life is in the relationships with their family and friends but their frustration is that there is always a great struggle on their life. And, that struggle always costs those to whom they are closest.
In the Bible, Paul talked about living all things in moderation. He wasn’t simply referencing what to consider as being sin or not sin. He was offering instruction on how to live life. Each part of life is important and each part plays into the value of life. Moderation in Paul’s terms speaks of balance in your life.
This means to measure the fruit of your life, you must consider the fruit in every part of your life. Your relationship with God, with your family, and with others can and should be measured. The product of your life, how you provide for your family and your future, and how you equip yourself financially to be a blessing to others is measurable fruit.
God’s Word teaches that the fruit that we bear is the evidence of His life in us.
What we produce in these areas of life become the proof that His life is in our life – that we are living for Him.
I encourage you to meditate on this. Consider each are of your life and determine to measure the productivity if it. Then, ask yourself if what is being produced is pleasing to God. It is a good way to know that you are operating in His purpose. It is how you can understand the value of the amazing life He gave to you.
Timothy
