This question may be askedat different points in a person’s life. For most, it would be when they reach retirement age. For others, it may be when facing grave financial challenges.
But, in thinking about our spiritual well-being, the answer would be a resounding NEVER! Here, I am using this term “downsize” in the sense of one looking at and planning for one’s life, entirely based on things of the material world — the world that we see, taste, touch, smell, and hear.
Most persons will agree, that, as human beings, we are more than the physical makeup of our bodies.
We are spiritual beings; beings who possess a dimension beyond the physical. In this light, therefore, to fully actualize ourselves, we are required to NEVER ‘downsize’ our lives. Let us talk about ‘Upsizing Our Lives’— understanding how and striving to fulfill the spiritual or eternal breadth of ourselves and others.
To guide us in upsizing our lives, we have the example and teaching of the only one who was able to do this in the best way possible. He advocated and modelled many beautiful attributes which, if practiced, would achieve this.
Let us look at one of these attitudes in which we must train ourselves- “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (New International Version, 2011). In other words, Jesus was guiding those who were pursuing this ‘upsizing’ of their lives to aim for the prosperity that comes from poverty. This is the poverty that one observes of himself when he views himself in the mirror of the words of his Creator.
Because we are creatures of eternity, we must correctly live our current lives for fulfillment here and in preparation for the one to come. When we long for relief as we cope with our pains (physical, mental, emotional, relational), it is for this upsized life that we yearn.
When we long for more as we are consumed with the things that give us pleasure, it is for this upsized life that we yearn. When we long for answers as we contemplate the possibilities that could be, it is for this upsized life that we yearn.
In all of this, we are understanding that we are more than children of this universe; we are children of the Maker of this universe.
Have you given yourself full access to the guidance of the One who created you? Have you availed yourself of the relief, pleasure, and answers that He has provided? I encourage you to pursue these with us at the Virden Alliance Church.
Dr. Simeon Norton is the Pastor of the Virden Alliance Church.
