We tend to think in terms of the title of this blog. How do we get the most out of life? And it is understandable. After all, we only have one life to live and time keeps ticking away. The problem is we often are asking the wrong question. Rather than asking how to get the most out of life, I need to be asking how do I make my greatest contribution to life. Ironically in the answer to that question is the answer to the first question.

You are created by God as His masterpiece to do the “good things he planned for us (you) long ago.” The contribution that you were created to make, is unique and only you can make it. That is the place of greatest satisfaction and fulfillment and ultimately the place where you will get the most out of this life on earth. Isn’t it true that all of us know of someone who has spent their life “getting” and still never experienced peace, contentment, or fulfillment? I was so intrigued by a quote I read last year from funnyman Jim Carrey:

“I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything
they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”

I have enjoyed many of Jim Carrey’s and his quote is a powerful statement about “getting” in life versus contributing. I’m not saying he hasn’t contributed, but rather in all the getting, like all of us, we realize that getting more money, stuff, praise, power, and position is just simply not where we are going to find the rich and satisfying life that we desire.

There is nothing more frustrating than the feeling that you are not contributing. We are created to add value, to use our unique abilities and personalities to make a difference. “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.“ (1 Peter 4:10-11, NLT)

How are you adding value to others around you today? How are you making a difference? Make a commitment to do so today and you will be shocked at how much you will get out of it!