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Sunday, July 21, 2019

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The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness rather than mere survival

The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness rather than mere survival

Today’s technology could affect our spiritual growth. People can become so insulated with their cell phones that they are not aware of what is happening in the world around them. They can commune with people from all over the world, but they may miss what’s taking place right in front of them.

Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu (604-531 BC) once said, “The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.”

In other words, we become aware of our surroundings and what is happening in our lives and in nature. This is difficult for us to do since we tend to be “action people.” We don’t stop to reflect on what is going on around us. We have a need to “keep busy.”

Anthony de Mello (1931-1987) has a beautiful story that brings out the difference between working to become rich and enjoying life:


“Why aren’t you out fishing?” said the industrialist.


“Why don’t you catch some more?”

“What would I do with them?”


“What would I do then?”

“Then you could really enjoy life.”

“What do you think I am doing right now?”

Sometimes we forget why we are working. If we are working so we can have the “best of everything,” then we are “killing ourselves” for nothing. We should work so we can have enough money to live on so we can have time to relax with family and friends, spend time with God, observe nature, reflect on what is happening in our own lives.

Aristotle (384-322 BC) once said, “The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.”


We are valuable and loved because we are God’s children.

How do we “look at the birds of the fields?”

Deepak Chopra (1947-present) reminds us, “Enlightened leadership is spiritual if we understand spirituality not as some kind of religious dogma or ideology but as the domain of awareness where we experience values like truth, goodness, beauty, love and compassion, and also intuition, creativity, insight and focused attention.”

In an age of “fake news” where people lie to make their agenda believable, Christians need to reflect more on what is true and what is false.


Jesus’ way will lead us to the truth and real living.

American psychiatrist M. Scott Peck (1936-2005) reminds us, “The great awareness comes slowly, piece by piece. The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning. The experience of spiritual power is basically a joyful one.”

Enjoy the ride!