As spring has sprung, many things are present that remind us of many things that are right with life. Flowers are blooming, days are warming, trees are greening, and the smell of freshly mowed grass is a constant companion. But then there’s baseball. Baseball takes us back to a time when life was less complicated because for nine short innings the cares of the world can be pushed to the side. Nobody worries about the economy, the strains of our jobs are pushed far from our minds, and all that matters is the purity of the game. It takes us back to our childhood when dreams were blossoming and imaginations were running wild. Yes, baseball, the all-American sport, can remind us everything that’s right with life.
However, kind of like sin, baseball can only be enjoyed for a season. And then, sure, there are other things that come and can help us to get through life on a daily basis; but is there not something that in and of itself , and more than anything else, can bring peace to our lives? Absolutely, because God has provided a way of life called Christianity that is the ultimate, daily reminder of what can be, and is right with life. New Testament Christianity, by design, is perfect because it is designed by God. And it is New Testament Christianity that not only reminds but represents everything that is right with life. How, though, does Christianity symbolize what’s right with life and how it can change not only lives but the world as a whole?
First, Christianity represents what’s right with life because it represents the means by which we enjoy fellowship with God. As sad as it may be, this fact may be the single most unappreciated blessing of all those available to the child of God. Man can and must have a relationship with God, and that relationship is only available in Christ. And what is even greater news than we can have a relationship with God is that God wants us to be in fellowship with Him. “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (I Corinthians 1:9). We know that God desires our fellowship because it came at such a high price to Him. Desiring for us to be in fellowship with Him so much, He was willing to give His only begotten Son to provide the means of entrance (John 3:16). And it is that fellowship that ultimately will reach into eternity as we enjoy being in His presence forevermore. As the timeless words of the old hymn Amazing Grace say, “When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’ve first begun.”
Second, Christianity represents what’s right with life because it provides the ability to regain innocence that has been lost. Man was created pure and then fell (Genesis 1-3). That pattern has not changed since the beginning, because man is still born pure, but then grows to eventually forsake God in sin (Romans 3:23). Contrary to the belief of most of the world, though, that innocence can be found once more in Christ. The Hebrews writer stated such by writing, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12). Imagine the opportunity to start all over with a clean slate. That is something every soul in this world dreams of, but unknown to many it is something every soul in this world can have. Through the blood of Christ our souls can be washed whiter than snow and give us a new beginning because we are new creatures (II Corinthians 5:17). However, let it be clearly seen, that such a promise is available only in Christ where life can be made right.
Then third, Christianity represents what’s right with life because it represents a better way of living. It has been said before that even if there was no God and Christianity was but a hoax, the Christian life would still be better because it makes us better husbands or wives, children, employers or employees, and friends. That, I believe is absolutely true; but what is even greater is that there is a God and Christianity is not a hoax, and we can still be better than we otherwise would! There is a reason Peter’s list in I Peter 1:5-11 is called the Christian “Graces.” They provide a standard of living that is ideal in every sense of the word, and they epitomize what Christianity is all about. The Christian life is an abundant life. No we may not have all of the things of this world we want, but we will always have all the things of God we need. Christianity is indeed a better way of life.
The eternal pessimists of this world will always conclude that nothing is right with this life. There is no joy, fullness, or even satisfaction. The Christian knows better because he knows that in Christ all things are right. Must we tolerate the evils of this world? Yes, but just for a while. Because at some point in the future this world along with its troubles will be gone, and what will be left for every faithful child of God will be not a better life, but the best life which is eternal.