My Interview with Shoutout Atlanta

[Link below]

Shoutout Atlanta interviewed me. Here’s the interview: “Meet Trenton Gill | I’m a mult-tool minister”

Superhero: Motive Matters

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If you would rather read this message, the words are provided below…

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This is Part 10 of my Superhero series. In the introduction of this series, I provided the argument that heroes are real and then I distinguished between heroes and superheroes. I also provided a list of what defines a superhero. In Part 1, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute standard of Good and realize that evil is a mere privation of what is good. In Part 2, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute moral standard and realize that what is wrong can only be known by the standard of what is right. In Part 3, I defined and expounded upon love because all superheroes are full of love and are compelled to act out from love. In Part 4, I explained that superheroes desire to save people from all forms of danger and/or death and this desire comes from love. In Part 5, we learned that superheroes are solution seekers. In Part 6, we saw that solution seekers are willing to sacrifice if necessary. In Part 7, we saw that sacrificial love steps forward and offers service. In Part 8, we saw that superheroes go above and beyond the call of duty. In Part 9, we saw that superheroes never give up!

In this message (Part 10), we will see that superheroes don’t need recognition – they are motivated only by love!

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Why do superheroes do what they do? If we look into their origins, we will discover that they had life-changing events that altered their perspectives on life and reality. Essentially, the origin of the superhero is the testimony that led to a new life. To put it plainly, superheroes do what they do because they know why they do what they do. Do you know your ‘why?’ The power of the ‘why’ compels superheroes to continue when they might otherwise want to quit. But the power of the ‘why’ can only provide the drive, not the direction. Think about it: even evil villains possess a powerful ‘why’ and are driven to succeed. What determines direction is the motive. Motive matters. Your character is your compass. And if your character is not Christlike and is not in alignment with the absolute moral standard, your misaligned motive will point you in the wrong direction. Truly, the heart is the start.

Many criminals creep around in the darkness of night with a ‘why’ that drives them to accomplish their selfish goals. In the 1980’s, serial killer Richard Ramirez received the nickname “Night Stalker” because most of his assaults took place at night in the victims’ own homes. Batman also operates in stealth and uses the darkness to his advantage, but he does so in order to accomplish good rather than evil. The difference is found in their motives. Criminals are driven by only one of three common motives: power, money, or sex. However, Batman – like many other superheroes – is motivated by the biblical principle of loving others and hating what is evil (Psalm 97:10; Proverbs 8:13; Amos 5:15).

There is struggle from the moment of birth: seek pleasure and promote self-worth or seek GOD and pursue purpose while on Earth. To those who try to let the light shine through while the darkness tries to cover you, don’t give up! Don’t give in! Don’t stop believing! Happiness can be found, but it starts from within. The silent screams from your soul are heard (Romans 8:26-28) – every sigh and tear exudes unspoken words. The right intention can still travel in the wrong direction. All that is now concealed will soon be revealed (Matthew 10:26-27). Take a stand! Stand to be who you’re meant to be! It’s not sex or drugs that makes the rock roll – it’s not cigarettes or alcohol! It’s not about being famous or having money, being on a magazine or TV, the fancy clothes you wear, the style of your hair, the huge estate you bought, or the expensive car you’ve got. It’s not about the audience applause. It’s simply about doing it for the cause! We do what we do because it’s right. Our reward is in knowing we’ve done what’s right. And now you know:

“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
(James 4:17).

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
(Matthew 6:1-4) -ESV

Be a secret agent! Superheroes typically have secret identities. Though superheroes usually have secret identities in order to protect themselves and/or their loved ones, we (Christians) can have secret identities for the sole purpose of loving others without expecting anything in return.

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
(Acts 20:35) -ESV

Give, pray, and fast in secret. Why? It’s not about what we do, but why we do what we do. The motive matters! Take the time right now to read the following Scriptures and meditate on their meanings:

• 1Samuel 16:7
• Proverbs 16:2-3; 21:27
• Romans 8:5-8
• 2Corinthians 9:6-7
• Philippians 1:15
• 1Thessalonians 2:4
• Hebrews 4:12-13
• James 4:3

Consider this your job interview for the position of a superhero. Would you still be a superhero if you:

1. never received recognition?
2. never received any reward?
3. never received anything in return?
4. suffered criticism, pain of persecution, or even death?

If you’re unwilling to sacrifice, go above and beyond the call of duty, never quit, never receive praise or rewards, and face the possibility of persecution and/or death, then you’re not cut out to be a superhero. You can still be a hero at some point, but not a superhero.

“So [Jesus] got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus replied, ‘You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.’ ^‘No,’ Peter protested, ‘you will never ever wash my feet!’ Jesus replied, ‘Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.’ ”
(John 13:4-8) -NLT

Being a superhero is not a glamorous lifestyle because it involves sacrificial love and serving others. Jesus told us that if we want to be the greatest, then will be the greatest servant (Matthew 23:11; Luke 22:26). In 1Peter 4:10, Peter shares the same message with others because he finally understood what Jesus did when He washed Peter’s feet. I challenge you to ask yourself if you’re truly willing to do whatever it takes to be a superhero. What motivates you? What is your ‘why’? Why do you want to be a superhero? Think about it. And remember: motive matters. Without the right motive, a person will inevitably burn out and back out if he/she doesn’t first collapse and crash. One example of this scenario can be seen in a pastor from Missouri who renounced the Christian faith after years of service (see my other article, “Can Christians Lose Their Salvation?“)

Are you in it to win it? Will you burn out and back out? Will you collapse and crash? Or will you refuse to lose and rise above by living a life of love? Motive matters.

Superhero: Solution Seekers

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If you would rather read this message, the words are provided below:

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This is Part 5 of my Superhero series. In the introduction of this series, I provided the argument that heroes are real and then I distinguished between heroes and superheroes. I also provided a list of what defines a superhero. In Part 1, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute standard of Good and realize that evil is a mere privation of what is good. In Part 2, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute moral standard and realize that what is wrong can only be known by the standard of what is right. In Part 3, I defined and expounded upon love because all superheroes are full of love and are compelled to act out from love. In Part 4, I explained that superheroes desire to save people from all forms of danger and/or death and this desire comes from love.

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In this message (Part 5), I’m going to examine another defining characteristic of superheroes: they are solution seekers!

Solution seeker! Yes! Being a solution-seeker is a great concept and a wonderful thing to write on a resume! But there’s one problem: we often worry about what’s wrong. Many people are prone to pointing out problems. In fact, I just pointed out a problem by pointing out that problem. (Oh no! That’s a problem!) But wait – there’s more! I have good news to share! Where there are problems, there can be solutions! In fact, here is a solution to problems: Never point out a problem unless you’re also willing to seek a solution. At the very least, you must be willing to seek a solution to a problem or else you become the problem. For the one who refuses to seek a solution accepts the problem as a permanent pain.

If seeking solutions is such an easy answer to pesky and persistent problems, why are there so many people who are depressed and/or filled with anxiety or worry? Why do so many people consider suicide? Well, there exists two major evil villains that prevent people from seeking solutions: Fear and Doubt – they are the fork in the tongue of the serpent. Many people often allow problems to paralyze them from going forward due to fear of failure; many people also what-if themselves into indecisiveness and doubt themselves into idleness.

Fear and Doubt:

Fear paralyzes people and prevents possibility. Even if you do not fear anything, you can still be denied possibility due to Doubt. If Doubt becomes a barrier between you and Belief, it becomes equal to fear in the sense that it still prevents you from possibility. The person who allows Fear and Doubt to take control becomes his/her own problem because he/she is imprisoned within his/her own mind. In the prison of problems, your only cellmate is stagnation.

There Is Hope:

I’m going to let you in on a secret in the hope that you’re going to tell everyone and it will no longer be a secret: Doubt fears Belief, and Fear doubts Belief. Even with as much hatred and evil as Fear and Doubt have within themselves, they still understand the concept of teamwork; together, they can imprison you! However, Doubt fears Belief. Doubt fears Belief because Belief banishes Doubt away. Where is your concept of teamwork? You cannot have teamwork with Fear or Doubt while seeking Possibility. Fear and Doubt already work together with plans of destruction and their target is you! You can only pair up with Belief and Vision in order to find Possibility. Belief banishes Doubt from you when you and Belief join together to create a team. Together, you can then overcome Fear because you would believe that you can do so. However, because Fear doubts Belief, Fear will follow you, doubting that Belief will remain within you. Since Belief banishes doubt from you when you team up with Belief, Doubt will live inside of Fear (who is following you), motivating Fear to follow you. However, the pursuit will be in vain because Belief is eternal so long as you never have an about-face of doubt. That means you will always be able to find Possibility so long as you team up with Belief. But belief in what? Not what, but who! Belief in the Savior, Christ Jesus! The Savior is the Solution – we simply need to seek the Solution to all problems if we are to find the specific solutions for specific problems!

Resist and Receive:

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”
(James 4:7-8) -NLT

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”
(Matthew 7:7-11) -NLT

The special stipulation to this promise is found in James 4:2-3; our desires need to be in alignment with GOD’s will. Ask yourself three important questions:

1. For what are you asking?
2. Why are you asking for that specific request?
3. Will it benefit the Kingdom of GOD?

Knowing GOD takes faith, focus, and follow-through. Jesus promises a reward for the passionate pursuit of seeking GOD’s will.

What Does GOD Say About Fear?

There are over 300 instances in the Bible in which we are instructed not to fear. There are two major reasons why we should not fear:

1. Trust in GOD;
2. love for others.

(1) There should be no fear in this limited lifetime because we know our eternal destiny:

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
(Matthew 10:28-31) -NLT

(2) Why would we fear the outcome of choosing to love?:

“And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”
(1John 4:17-18) -NLT

Therefore, we do not fear people nor do we fear punishment. Perfect love casts out all fear. And since we trust in GOD – who is love (1John 4:8,16) – and we choose to love GOD and others, we have no reason to fear.

What Does GOD Say About Doubt?

“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”
(Psalm 94:19) -NLT

Do you see how this works? Belief banishes doubt. Faith (trust) in GOD creates hope. With hope, one has reason to seek solutions. While seeking the Solution, the Holy Spirit gives the seeker wisdom and vision. Wisdom and vision plan out and produce possibilities.

“And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ ”
(Matthew 14:28-33) -ESV

Peter had faith and so he walked on water. However, he allowed doubt within and he started to sink. But remember: doubt was living inside of fear and fear is faithful to follow. Doubt and fear joined forces and caused Peter to sink. But in seeking the Savior, the Solution was found: trust in the Lord is the solution. Faith creates hope and hope gives birth to possibilities.

“Then Jesus told them, ‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, “May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,” and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.’ ”
(Matthew 21:21) -NLT

So, faith is foundational and prayer is powerful. But in order to pray we must first be seeking GOD. If prayer, however, is one of the keys to being a solution seeker, then prayer needs to be properly understood.

Faith-filled Purposeful Prayer:

Prayer needs to be purposeful if it is to be powerful (I’ll expound upon prayer in parts 21-22). Prayer is not a means of merely asking for what we want. GOD is not a magic genie and prayer is not the magic lamp by which to summon GOD. Prayer is a connection between us and GOD. A healthy relationship requires constant communication. So, talk. Prayer is also a way to love others. We should pray for others (Ephesians 6:18-19). But we should also pray that GOD’s will be done and not our own (Matthew 26:39, 42, 44). In the connection of prayer, the goal is to come into alignment with GOD’s will. Regarding prayer, it is important to remember that GOD always answers our prayers in one of three possible ways: yes, no, or not yet. And it is important to thank GOD for all the “no” answers. All the “no” answers eventually lead to the “yes” moment. When we pray, we must pray for the right reasons. Motive matters. We don’t need a mantra, we need a meaningful connection with the Maker. Prayers need to be genuine and purposeful. But remember: you don’t always need to know exactly what to say (Romans 8:26-28). Just be honest.

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”
(James 1: 6-8) –NIV

Doubts are sometimes unavoidable and seem inevitable. Whether intellectually based or emotionally charged, all doubts need to be doubted and examined. If you find yourself doubting, you’re certainly not alone in your struggle. In Mark 9:24, the father of the possessed son asked Jesus to help his unbelief. Having the courage to doubt your doubts and investigate their causes leads to greater confidence in your relationship with Jesus. In seeking the Savior, He can help work through your doubts to increase your faith. Therefore, investigate your doubts. Seek Truth. Be specific about what your doubts are – write them out and list reasons for and against them. Also, pray! And never stop praying (1Thessalonians 5:17)! Like the father of the possessed son, we too can ask GOD to help with unbelief. Be a Solution seeker! This is important because belief casts out doubt and love casts out fear. The faith-filled become the faith-full! The faithful and loving solution-seeker is stable and also able to pursue possibilities.

Beyond, Through, and To:

“Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you.”
(1Peter 5:7) –NCV

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:6-7) -NLT

Though the Bible does not explicitly say that worry is a sin, we can still logically conclude that it is a sin by examining all the available evidence. One simply cannot trust GOD to provide if one worries about provision. Likewise, one cannot trust GOD about wellbeing if one worries about wellbeing. Faith is trust. There’s no trust in worrying because worrying comes from doubting GOD.

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
(Hebrews 11:6) -NLT

Know this: GOD already told us He will take care of all our needs (Matthew 6:25-34).

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
(Philippians 4:8-9) -NLT

Pray Your Way To Peace:

Prayer is not our last resort; rather, it is our first line of defense! And that is why prayer is being discussed here in addition to the end of this book. How do we get GOD’s peace? By putting into practice what we learned. We have learned that we need to put our trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6). So, let us put into practice our faith by living confidently in Christ. We can pray our way into peace! Look beyond the problem, through the potential and to the possibilities by seeking the power of GOD in prayer. If we focus on all that is good and right, our focus won’t be on what is bad and wrong. That’s easier said than done – I know. But no one ever said that what is simple is also easy. If we fill our minds with GOD’s Word, we won’t have enough room to fill our minds with the Satan’s lies and the world’s ways. Christians must think about what they’re thinking about and not allow their minds to wander into the chaotic circus of sin. In our spiritual warfare, we need to wear the helmet of salvation (explain in Part 19) because it is spiritual armor for the mind. Negative thoughts can be replaced with positive ones, and the more that godly substitution takes place, the more peace and joy we can experience. Many times we are asking GOD to change our situation when GOD desires to change our stinkin’ thinkin’! GOD’s peace is promised to guard those who pray – with thanksgiving – about everything.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
(Romans 8:28) -NLT

Stay Focused:

We already know the ending of the story! Christ returns, evil is banished to Hell, and all believers will live happily ever after with Jesus for eternity (Revelation 19-21). Knowing this, our focus should simply be on how to continually make things better until Christ returns. GOD gave people the great gift of free will. Where free will exists, evil is always possible; in fact, bad things are inevitable in this sinful fallen world. But GOD created us to create good while we choose to live a life of love. So, what are you creating? In order to be a solution seeker, we must trust in GOD and love others. Belief banishes doubt and love expels fear. Without fear and doubt, GOD’s peace will be with you and GOD’s power will enable you to be more than a conquerer in Christ (Romans 8:37).

Conclusion:

“Show mercy to those who have doubts. Save others by snatching them from the fire of hell.”
(Jude 1: 22-23) –GW

You can be a superhero! You can be a superhero by simply being a consistent solution seeker! In the name of Jesus, go be a defender of the faith by helping others battle fear and doubt. Peter was saved while sinking in the sea of doubt because he reached out to Jesus. All people can find salvation by doing exactly what Peter did – by reaching out to Jesus and trusting Him to save. In fact, I did the same thing when I once found myself sinking and Jesus saved me too! To read my testimony, see my other article, “My Testimony: From Agnosticism, To Atheism, To Christianity“.

Here’s the bottom line: When a problem comes along, you must whip it! Whip it good… in the name of Jesus!

 

The Pursuit of Happiness

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If you’d rather read this message, I provided the words below…

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A woman asked me, “Are you happy doing what you’re doing in life?”

I answered her question with a question: “Should what I do be based upon a feeling of happiness?”

The woman replied, “You should be happy doing whatever it is you find yourself doing.”

I said, “I am perturbed by the pursuit of happiness and I don’t believe it is relevant to purpose. I believe purpose is more meaningful than happiness.”

Before you accuse me of being negative, allow me to explain my position, for it will ultimately end in love. What is someone pursuing when that person is pursuing happiness? Is the pursuit of happiness a noble pursuit? Is it possible that it’s actually cowardice? Does a person truly deserve to be happy at all times? Should pain and suffering always be avoided? Can purpose be found through pain and suffering? What is the ultimate goal of the pursuit of happiness?

Comedy stems from reality; it originates from truth. People laugh when they are able to relate to the root of the reference. Comedy is created with a hope of being able to cope, to make light of the darkness we experience. Even knowing the truth, most people will laugh and choose to cope. Now examine the reality from which the coping was created. It’s sad because it’s true. Humans are very versed in coping with the worst. Be careful of what you prioritize to first. Humans are often coerced into traveling head first in reverse to the conjured cope of hope that is cursed. Simply because humans resist facing their fears and overcoming obstacles. All hail happiness, right? Happiness will be our guide and lead us to victory, right? If it makes you happy, do it. …Right? …You better be certain you’re right; otherwise, what’s left?

Happiness. …I had to ponder on that concept for a long time.

As if listening to cult members repeating the words of their instructor, I have heard many different people recite the same mantra: “If it makes you happy, do it.”

Even my own mother had told me many times, “I want you to do what will make you happy.”

It is possible to have good intentions yet travel in the wrong direction. Is a path based on happiness a wise route to travel? Can it be wise unless it’s right? Is the pursuit of happiness right?

I believe that ‘happy’ is merely a term used to describe a temporary feeling that one receives when one gets a break from the sad reality of life. In this sin-filled and fallen world in which we all live, sadness is the constant of life; only when one is able to rise above the sea level of sadness does one experience the feeling known as happiness. I would relate happiness to the feeling one gets when finally inhaling oxygen after being held under water to the point of nearly drowning; happiness is merely a breath of fresh air from our stagnant society in which people suffocate in their sufferings. It seems that happiness is merely a discontinuity from misery, only enjoyable and desirable by comparison.

Can I be honest with you? Will you allow me to expound upon my thoughts? Can you refrain from your judgement about me until you have read everything I have to write? The truth is that I can’t seem to figure out how to obtain that feeling of happiness for an extended period of time; happiness only seems to exist in short bursts between the extended drudgeries of life’s normalcy. But unless happiness is the purpose of life, does it matter if it is the constant? I would say no — it doesn’t matter if happiness is the constant. Happiness is chocolate cake. Can you imagine what everyone would look like if chocolate cake were the constant? Happiness seems to be correlated to feelings; however, feelings can be misleading. Even a drug addict receives the short burst of happiness after getting a temporary fix; even a cheating wife/husband receives the short burst of happiness while sinning against his/her spouse with another happy-driven individual. For if happiness is the purpose of existence, what can be labeled as right or wrong? How can it possibly be wrong to do drugs if it brings the user/abuser happiness? How can cheating on your husband/wife be considered wrong if it brought about happiness?

What is the pursuit of happiness? The pursuit of happiness is nothing more than the pursuit of pleasure. Happiness simply cannot be the purpose of life. Happiness only fulfills mere moments, but always leaves people grasping for more. Too many people trade purpose for pleasure. So, what then? What is my purpose? I am not convinced that my happiness is of any importance to this world or my own purpose. Is there a purpose? Why am I here? Why do I exist?

Happiness must not be the focus point in our journey through this life. Happiness seems to be unconcerned with the purpose of others; in addition, happiness seems to be so self-centered that the intensely focused approach to obtaining happiness seems to be unconcerned even with one’s own purpose. The pursuit of happiness can be dangerous and sometimes deadly. I have reason to be wary of a smile or a laugh because there’s no telling from where the smile or laughter originated; after all, I have seen evil people smile and laugh before. Haven’t I? Evil is real, isn’t it? What is real?

Solipsism breeds sin; therefore, happiness warrants caution and invokes question of motivation and intention. I often observe that the pursuit of happiness for self often produces negative consequences for others around that particular happy-driven individual. And if happiness and purpose aren’t analogous, what purpose does happiness serve? But why do we possess the innate ability to feel happiness if happiness serves no purpose? So, then there must be a purpose for happiness. What is the purpose of happiness? To keep us going? To show us that ultimate happiness is possible? Is happiness the ultimate goal in which we should all strive to achieve? When? In this lifetime? Certainly not. I want to be happy, but I don’t know how to be happy and remain happy at all times. It’s simply not possible – especially if you allow yourself to feel the pain of others. Happiness is not the constant. When I do manage to obtain that feeling of happiness, I am unable to keep it without also keeping a selfish focus on myself. My happiness starts to dissipate once I start thinking of others’ pain and suffering. I sometimes even feel guilty for possessing happiness when so many other people in this world live in misery and despair. What’s so special about me? Why should I be happy? Should happiness be a constant in my life when so many people are suffering in this world? Why is there suffering? But why do we exist at all? Why does it matter? Does it matter? What is important? The only thing that seems important to me at this time is knowing the Truth. I exist. I need to know why I exist. You exist. Don’t you want to know why you exist? What is the meaning of life? What is your purpose for being alive? Why is there life at all when there doesn’t need to be?

Life is quite complicated and [to be honest] I don’t care much for it most of the time. Please allow me to bring clarity to what I just wrote: I like life as [I believe] it should be experienced, but I hate the life that humans have distorted and disfigured in order to accommodate their arrogant, atrocious and abhorrent agendas. One example of an atrocious agenda is the abhorrent act of abortion. Why are we willingly murdering babies and snuffing out life? Just so a woman can be fulfill her pursuit of happiness?  I don’t understand life as it is in its current state, only as it should be experienced; therefore, I am an outcast, imprisoned in a free yet fallen world.

It is becoming increasingly evident that the more knowledge I acquire, the more I realize just how much I don’t know. I am aware that I could obtain the feeling of happiness more often than I currently do; however, I am aware that I would be obtaining that feeling of happiness at the expense of others. I am aware that much of the misery I feel is self-inflicted because I choose to feel and care so deeply for others; however, I believe that the alternative of harvesting happiness at the expense of others would not be fulfilling — hunting happiness is an endless endeavor, and an unfulfilling endeavor at that. A human hunting happiness is like a cheetah hunting a gazelle; the amount of effort and energy used to catch the prize will only replenish the effort and energy that was used to obtain the prize. Happiness produces no gain; the most happiness can do is help one sustain. The cycle never ends; the replenishment is always short-lived. All batteries must either be recharged or die. A human continues to recharge the ‘battery’ of his/her body until the body can no longer sustain the charge necessary to produce the movement which is necessary to sustain life. I hate the hunt; I am tired and irritated by the body’s weakness and dependency upon its seemingly everlasting soul to recharge it for another redundant day. There is a soul, isn’t there? If I am merely matter in motion, what does anything matter at all? There is no good reason why anything should exist at all. But we do. Why? To experience happiness? Certainly life is not so superficial.

What produces happiness anyway? Maslow’s hierarchy of needs asserts that basic needs must be met before happiness can ever be achieved. I believe that one’s definition of success produces happiness. But how does one define success? Fame? Fortune? Fornication? Family? Fortitude? For many people, money equates to success because money eliminates the worry or anxiety over basic needs; furthermore, money aids one’s desire to obtain happiness, to seek pleasure.

Both those who are ignorant and those who are people-pleasers desire to promote the promise of paradise in a passionate proclamation of love and equality for all — a fairytale happy ending for all who choose to believe! But that doesn’t coincide with reality. And if a belief does not coincide with reality, it cannot be true. Belief does not prevent grief; in fact, my belief has brought me to grief many times.

Earth is seemingly overpopulated and the only way to rise to the top is to pull others down while climbing up. That’s the way of the world. There is much wisdom to be found in life by simply examining nature. Nature is pure, raw, mechanical, and typically uncorrupted by influence. Nature doesn’t try to call attention to itself and doesn’t attempt to be anything it is not. If there is an occurrence in nature, it happens by ‘divine’ order — it was destined to happen. In order to win the prize of the female, male blue whales try to push each other down, and if necessary, with intent to drown — the most aggressive male wins the prize (ends up with the female). Take your pick: hippopotamus, silverback gorilla or even a lion — the most aggressive male will dominate and receive whatever prize it desires. Within nature, the dominance hierarchy declares that losers are inevitable. There are winners and there are losers. Sink or swim. Fight or flight. Kill or be killed. That is life in its current state in this sin-filled and fallen world. Therefore, the notion that humans will coexist and live in peace is wishful thinking — so long as life exists in this current state, there will always be competition to live and reason to die. Pain and suffering are inevitable. Why? Because people will pursue pleasure. So, is that the real reason so many humans pursue happiness? To escape pain and suffering? Is that a noble pursuit? Is it possible it is cowardice?

Humans are just as primitive as animals and resort to the same primal instincts: we dress to impress, dance to advance, we strut and flaunt, we even kill to get what we want. But more so than animals, humans dig deeper into the expanse of evil because we conjure lies and concoct plans in order to appease our carnality; the demonic deeds of humans are often premeditated. Well, I despise the desire to bring others down just so I can be on top. I refuse to allow my body to be a flagitious factory that will produce misery for others all for the selfish sake of my happiness. I am convinced that the purpose of my existence has little or nothing to do with my happiness.

It is true that I am unhappy a lot of the time, but it’s not because of a lack of joy. I have joy within. Joy and happiness are not one and the same. I’m unhappy a lot of the time because I have refused to allow the superficial to sway my selections or settlements; I have refused to allow demons to desensitize me and detour me from righteous decisions; I have refused to be plagued by promises of power; I have refused to allow my ethics to be eroded or my morals to be manipulated; I have refused to allow my hero to be anyone other than He who is Holy. I refuse to allow my eternal soul to be misguided by temporary temptations of damning desires. And by living as such, I have become calloused to the ways of this world. For a long time now, I have not felt temptation’s incessant tapping and I have not been persuaded by pain nor pleasure regardless of how persistent the pain or promising the pleasure. Am I impervious to evil’s invasions? No. Evil’s attacks are present and are evident by the persistent pain I experience. But my armor is thick and my threshold for pain is high. I simply choose not to be directed by the ways of this world.

If you can be honest with yourself, you will agree that in general, our society is superficial; our culture is corrupt. I feel as though I don’t fit in anywhere; I feel like I don’t belong anywhere; I’m seemingly surrounded yet feel incisively isolated. But I am a piece to the puzzle of life and I do belong somewhere even if I don’t know where I belong. I may not be a cornerstone, but I am of the Creator and a component of the calling. And if GOD won’t extract me from this execrable Earth, I will be forced to endure until I get interlocked into my predetermined place within life’s puzzle and fulfill my purpose. But while I exist, is happiness a goal in which I should strive to achieve? Or is happiness merely a covetous concept that will distract me from achieving my purpose? Also, how can the purified form of happiness be harvested in a world so impure? The very idea of me being happy creates conflict within myself, rendering any brief moment of happiness obsolete.

My mother desires me to do whatever makes me happy; my father desires me to climb to the top. If I do whatever makes me happy, my actions will most certainly produce misery for at least a few people. Though my mother would be happy knowing that I finally found happiness, would either of my parents be proud to know of the method to which my happiness was achieved? And what would the ramifications of my actions be in regards to many others? Others matter, don’t they? Others are important, aren’t they? To what degree? To what extent? Only so long as they don’t take away from your happiness? Think: if you were to get everything you ever wanted and fulfilled your every desire in order to be happy, how many people would not have their desires fulfilled? A quick example of this is the scenario of sexual relations. Let’s suppose you pursue pleasure and receive happiness from having sex with someone you’re physically attracted to yet that person was not physically attracted to you. Well, you would be happy, but would that other person?

Can you even fathom what would become of this world if everyone set their focus on obtaining happiness for self? A pursuit of happiness is self-centered; in addition, the pursuit may lack purpose. Like the term, ‘fun,’ happiness is also subjective when put into proper perspective. The pursuit of purpose, however, will ultimately lead to joy. Happiness can always be found when fulfilling purpose, even if the discovery is not immediate. I must not risk my purpose by chasing the white rabbit of happiness down its black hole of absence. And though my arduous adventure to achieve my purpose may cause me to be unhappy a lot of the time, I will eventually discover happiness once my purpose is fulfilled. When that day comes, I will discover even more happiness as I notice that my happiness and fulfilled purpose continue to bring happiness to others. For the only way to obtain happiness and keep it is to help others obtain it. I choose purpose over pleasure because the promise of pleasure can be found in the pursuit of purpose. I choose a purpose-driven life. Hmm…. But what is my purpose? My purpose is to make life better for others by helping them to understand that they were created for a purpose beyond what they currently see and experience. We do not exist to merely exist. Are you merely existing or are you truly living? Purpose cannot be experienced if the heart and mind are numbed and medicated by happiness. Happiness is a drug that prevents potential. The person stuck in the pursuit of happiness is a sleepwalking citizen who is unable to experience growth through pain and suffering. If one is to pursue happiness, it should not be for self. If the purpose of your life was to make your own life better, you wouldn’t be surrounded by so many other people. Your life is not your own and your happiness has little or nothing to do with your purpose.

Do you know why you exist? Do you know the meaning of life? Do you know your purpose? If you knew your Creator, you would know why you exist. 

To know why I became a Christian, see my other article, “My Testimony: from Agnosticism, to Atheism, to Christianity“

[Suggestion: read “The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For”, by Rick Warren]

The Seven C’s of Christmas

For many people, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration; however, for some people, Christmas is a time of stress, frustration, anxiety, sadness, or depression. If you have either lost the Christmas joy or have never had Christmas joy, this message is for you.

I want to give you The Seven C’s to overcoming the grinch and obtaining Christmas joy:

1. Comparison
2. Confinement
3. Conviction
4. Christ
5. Contentment
6. Contribution
7. Camaraderie

In “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” the Grinch is depicted as a grouchy creature, secluded in a cave. The Grinch lives on a cliff overlooking the cheerful, optimistic community of Whoville. The Grinch hates Christmas and the festivities celebrated during the season; he is irritated by the happiness of others and derives pleasure from spoiling other people’s enjoyment. Maybe you are a grinch. Perhaps someone else in your life is a grinch. Either way, joy can be obtained and retained. From the story of the grinch, there are seven (7) biblical principles we can learn and apply to our lives:

(1) Comparison 

The first thing mentioned in the story of the Grinch is that every Who liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch did not. The Grinch stood on a cliff, looking down on the Whos; his focus was on who they were, what they did, and what they had. Comparison creates the “I can’t” moments. The Grinch compared himself with every Who in Whoville – he compared himself with every Who’s smile, joy, laughter, and celebration. The comparison led him to realize that he did not possess what they had. And because he did not have what they had, he allowed himself to become miserable. Comparison produces envy and envy produces hatred. That hatred will either be directed toward the person being compared or the very person doing the comparison. The Grinch had pride; therefore, his hatred was directed toward every Who in Whoville. (Because the problem couldn’t possibly reside within himself, right?) …Are you comparing your life by others’ blessings? Comparing yourself to others will negatively affect how you view yourself; consequently, how you view yourself will determine your attitude and then your actions. GOD created you to be unique. Embrace your own blessings and stop concerning yourself with what others have.

“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”
(Galatians 6:4-5) -NLT

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
(Proverbs 14:30) -NIV

“Do you think I care about the approval of men or about the approval of God? Do you think I am on a mission to please people? If I am still spinning my wheels trying to please men, then there is no way I can be a servant of the Anointed One, the Liberating King.”
(Galatians 1:10) -Voice

(2) Confinement

The Grinch lived in a cave by himself. He isolated himself. He had confined himself to his loneliness. Is it any wonder why others’ joy irritated him so much? The joy of others only revealed and amplified his own misery. The sound of their laughter seemed to be directed toward his insecurities. The others’ joy called attention to the very thing he was lacking. When you isolate yourself, you are an easy target for Satan. Evil will invade your isolated and unguarded mind and infiltrate your thoughts. Remember: the lion seeks to attack the one who gets separated from the herd.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
(1Peter 5:8) -ESV

“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.”
(Proverbs 18:1) -ESV

“In the same way that iron sharpens iron, a person sharpens the character of his friend.”
(Proverbs 27:17) -Voice

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) -NLT

(3) Conviction

Examine the definition of the word, “grinch.”
Grinch: an unpleasant person who spoils other people’s fun or enjoyment or dampens the pleasure of others.

 “I was brushing my teeth on the morning of the 26th of last December when I noticed a very Grinch-ish countenance in the mirror. It was Seuss! So I wrote about my sour friend, the Grinch, to see if I could rediscover something about Christmas that obviously I’d lost.”
(~Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel; December 1957 edition of Redbook)

Are you placing your focus on the negative aspects surrounding this Christmas season? Are you placing the focus on yourself and your problems? Is it possible that you need to rediscover something about Christmas you have obviously lost (or never found)? We are all familiar with the Grinch who stole Christmas, but we often neglect to see ourselves as the Grinch. Are you being a grinch without realizing it? The Grinch originated from a moment when Dr. Seuss confronted himself with the truth he saw in the mirror. Are you willing to confront yourself with the truth? We often discover truth and enlightenment when we face and conquer our own demons. Are you ready to admit your shortcomings? If you have unrighteousness within you, are you ready to repent? Allow the Holy Spirit within you and He will bring Truth; with Truth comes conviction and that is why Truth sets people free (see John 8:32).

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
(Proverbs 1:7) -ESV

“My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”
(Proverbs 3:11-12) -NLT

“If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it—how shortsighted to refuse correction!”
(Proverbs 12:1) -MSG

(4) Christ

Sincere repentance and acceptance of Christ as our Lord and Savior is prerequisite for salvation. After we confront our own demons, we need to make Jesus the focus. Jesus is the center, the core. We don’t have CHRISTmas without Christ. Jesus came to be the sacrifice who would save us from ourselves. We simply couldn’t live up to the perfect standard of holiness that is required for us to dwell with the perfect and holy GOD, but Jesus came to be the Bridge that would forever reunite us with GOD. This season is for our Savior. We celebrate the fact that GOD loves us so much that GOD became human in order to willingly sacrifice Himself for us (John 10:17-18) — He died so that we may live! We celebrate that Jesus was born into this world from a virgin in order to be the sinless sacrifice who would save us from ourselves. Because we could not reach GOD by our works, GOD came to us out of His grace and mercy.

“As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ ”
(Matthew 1:20-21) -NLT

(5) Contentment

Once Jesus is the focus, we will no longer have the focus on others or ourselves. If we truly realize how bad many people in this world have it in life, it should be easy to be content in any circumstance we find ourselves. This is the opposite side of comparison or envy. This is how you battle those thoughts of comparing yourself with others. The moment you start to compare yourself with others to see how they might have it better than you, you also have an opportunity to see how you have it better than others. There are, in fact, prisoners in the United States who live in greater comfort than those who are considered to be free in third world countries, who are skin and bone, starving to death. The truth is that you are blessed and your life could always be worse than it is right now. The truth is that you are exactly where you need to be right now for GOD to take you to where He wants you to go so that He may bless you. Our focus is not to be on the world and its ways. In fact, this world is going to come to an abrupt end and we will live in eternity on a new earth under new heavens (Matthew 24:36-44; Revelation 21). Neither the Christmas season nor Christmas Day itself is about receiving gifts or possessing anything of monetary value – it is about celebrating salvation through our Savior! To find contentment, you need only to change your perspective. To find contentment, you need only to focus on Christ.

“Brothers and sisters, in light of all I have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship. Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.”
(Romans 12: 1-2) -Voice

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
(Philippians 4:8-9) -NLT

“For I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
(Philippians 4:11-13) -NLT

(6) Contribution

The Grinch stole all of the Who’s material possessions – everything of monetary value! And as the Grinch stood on the cliff, waiting to hear mourning and crying from Whoville, he heard joyful singing instead. After hours of pondering and self-examination, the Grinch finally realized that material items don’t bring joy; in fact, he discovered that the joy had already been within them. That’s when the Grinch decided to return to them all of their gifts. Like Scripture tells us, it is better to give than to receive. The Grinch discovered joy in the act of giving. Why? Because to love others is to put them before yourself. What can you give? Your time? Love? Financial support? Maybe you’re good at cooking meals and can feed someone? Maybe you’re a gifted musician and you can play music for someone? Maybe you’re an excellent artist and you can draw a picture for someone? Perhaps you can simply be there for someone and provide a listening ear. There is always something you can do; there is always a way to give.

“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
(Acts 20:33-35) -NLT

“Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always ‘me first,’ doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.”
(1Corinthians 13: 4-8) –MSG

(7) Camaraderie

After giving the [stolen] gifts back to everyone in Whoville, the Grinch joined the Whos for a feast. Understand this: GOD did not design us to do life alone.

I admit that I chose the word, “camaraderie” only because it started with the letter “c” and allowed alliteration. But the actual word I should use is “fellowship.” Our English word, “fellowship” is the translation of the Greek word, “koinonia.” This Greek word is derived from the root, “koinos,” which was a prefix in ancient Greek. If you were to add this prefix to words meaning “living,” “owning a purse,” “a dispute,” and “mother,” you would get words meaning “living in community together,” “owning a purse in common,” “a public dispute,” and “having a mother in common.” So, we see that the root of the word, “fellowship,” means “to hold something in common.” The Greek word, “koinonia,” was used to describe corporations, labor guilds, partners in a law firm, and the most intimate of marriage relationships. From the usage of the word, we can conclude that fellowship is a word denoting a relationship that is dependent on more than one individual. It is an interdependent relationship. Koinonia is used nineteen times in the New Testament and in addition to being translated as “fellowship” it is also translated by the words, “contribution,” “sharing,” and “participation.” A close study of the usage of this word shows that action is always included in its meaning. Fellowship, you see, is not just being together, it is doing together! Fellowship is a relationship of inner unity among believers that expresses itself in outer co-participation with Christ and one another in accomplishing GOD’s will on Earth.

By now, you should realize that you are already blessed. So, who can you bless today? Blessing others will bring you joy. Do you want to experience true Christmas joy? Then bless others. Remember what Christ told us:

“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
(Matthew 22:37-40) -NLT

“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
(Matthew 9:13) -ESV

“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.”
(Micah 6:8) -MSG

I challenge you to go bless others this Christmas and create the joy you seek to attain for yourself. Spread Christmas cheer and do it openly and loudly for all the hear. And if we love with a lasting impression, perhaps those who do not believe will catch a glimpse of Christ that will remain with them until that seed grows into understanding. Go. Create joy. Bless others and praise GOD as you go.

[ To read why I am a Christian, read my other article, “Why I Am A Christian” ]