Tough Questions

I've been thinking a lot about God recently (more than usual). I think this has partly come about because of a series of events as of late. One of them I mentioned early on in a blog post. It was my trip to the 2010 All-Michigan Catholic Men's Conference. At the conference there was an inspirational slide show that displayed a quote something to the extent of "The greatest tragedy in life is to fall short of becoming a Saint." The reason for the truth of this statement is that God created us to live the life of a saint, and anything less is less than he intended. Now I know I have thought about this idea before, but not put exactly that way.

I must admit that that quote made (and is still making) me ask myself a lot of questions. Like, how am I living a holy life? How am I not living a holy life? How am I helping others to know God? Why do I continue to sin? What changes do I need to make in my life to be more fully the person God created me to be? And on, and on...

Most of these are dangerous questions, because they are not easy to answer or follow through on in my fallen state, and because the Tempter is working hard get me to compromise or brush off the seriousness of the questions. So answering these questions and following through on them requires divine help imparted through the Sacraments, Scripture, and God's people.

We are just over half way through this year. Perhaps you made some spiritual resolutions back in January and have forgotten them, or perhaps you never made any. Either way, no need to wait till the next New Year because chances are you'd forget those resolutions before long. We all need to do a mid-year evaluation of our walk with God, and I'm not just talking about footsteps on the beach. We need to confront all the rugged terrain as well.

Have we grown soft or lazy in our faith? Do we at times choose the easy road? Have I been loving others radically for God? Am I willing to take a chance at stepping out in faith in a way that may change my life in order to serve the Lord? Am I aware of the presence of the evil one? (If not then it is time to evaluate, because he attacks those working for the Lord the most.)

When was the last time we asked ourselves some really challenging questions? It is time to get tough in our faith. Where are we aiming in life? Remember, we are only here for a short time.

Let's ask some tough questions.