Real Life by Peggi Tustan

Welcome to Real Life . What do you long for? “What does not satisfy when we find it, was not the thing we were desiring.” –C.S. Lewis What makes a life complete? Earn a degree. Get a promotion. Raise a family. Grow a healthy financial portfolio. Travel the world. All these things are good and beneficial. But we can reach these goals, and soon feel empty afterwards. Because accomplishments pale in comparison to the one thing that completes us—love. To love and be loved fills our hearts and lives like nothing else can. Although we know this is true, sometimes even in the church, we get it wrong. We tend to downplay the importance of love. We elevate action: powerful preachers, bold and impressive apologists, charismatic teachers, and impactful missionaries. Certainly, those who pour out their lives in service deserve our respect and honor. For this reason, God’s perspective in 1 Corinthians 13 may shock us. If I lead worship with the voice of an angel or fill stadiums with my captivatin...

Welcome to Real Life . Why do we do what we do? Praca nie je zajac. Neutekuje. Work is not a rabbit. It will not run away! –Slovak Proverb I am always busy. There is much I want to do and feel I need to do. “Why?” I sensed God’s Spirit whisper when I finally slowed down to spend time in his Word today. I try to seek God early. Because once I get moving, it’s hard to stop and quiet my heart before him. That is exactly what happened today. I did a hundred little things before I finally sat down and opened my Bible at noon. When I did, I read this. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12–13 NIV) It’s no accident that on the day I delayed opening God’s Word, he reminded me of its im...