It’s been said that we live in an age of meaninglessness. Why is that? What has happened?
Somewhere along the line we decided that wisdom starts with looking at ourselves rather than looking at God. The trouble is when we look inward to find out who we really are and what life is really about we find a torrent of different emotions. We want and we don’t want. We really believe and yet we doubt.
Where can we find a foundation for a life of meaning? The book of Proverbs uses short statements to communicate big truths. The guidance found in Proverbs is that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” So I’m supposed to be afraid of God? How’s that wise? Well with a little wisdom we come to understand that “the fear of the Lord” really means a respect and awe towards God: his person, his beauty and his power. Just like one doesn’t fear ocean waves, one looks at them with awe for their beauty and power (but is smart enough to get out of the way … or bring a surfboard).
In God we find a starting block for our life. A beginning point for wisdom and meaning. Perhaps this is a different starting point for you to consider in beginning the new year.
Dave MacPhee is lead pastor with Northstar Church in Quesnel.