Why Don't You Make Your Life Better?

I just read the news article of another police officer who was shot and killed. I grieve for the fallen and the families every time I read of one of these horrible incidents. This one was of particular interest to me since it happened in a small town in Wisconsin, and a place where I’ve been.

Weston, Wisconsin is just outside of Wausau, and not a lot happens there. But a domestic dispute led to a shootout in an apartment complex. A police officer and three others are now dead. 

In that apartment complex was a recent immigrant from Gambia, Africa, 31 year-old Omar Sey. When interviewed about the incident he said he didn't understand why such things happen in America. "This is crazy," he said. "You have everything at your disposal. Why don't you make your life better instead of engaging in this."

Good question. A lot of people around the world wonder the same thing. With everything we have, why is there so much violence, hatred, anger, depression, addictions and misery. 

Because having so much at our disposal is not the answer to life’s greatest struggles. Economic prosperity does not lead to emotional fulfillment. 

You were created for more than this. And in some ways, all of “this” has become a great distraction that has led the hearts of Americans away from the God who made them for him.

You might view whatever great need you have in your life as your next greatest quest. Don’t be fooled. It’s not. Your greatest need is to know Jesus Christ in a growing and interactive relationship with him. That’s what you were created for. Anything else will give you only a little temporary pleasure that when taken away, leaves greater despair. But when you have Jesus, and you really know him and are pursuing him, the rest of his gifts in this life produce more enjoyment than they ever could have on their own.

That’s how you make your life better.