The Fulfilled Life.

The Three Key Measures of a Fulfilled Life

Have you ever wondered what it means to live a fulfilled life?

It can be draining to see others thriving while you’re left feeling like life is unfair.

You might find yourself wondering how others have reached a level of success that you admire,

and feeling like you’re just not doing enough.

The feeling of ‘unfulfillment’ can be overwhelming. But here’s the thing – you’re not alone.

Often, we measure fulfilment by external markers –

wealth, success, or achievements that outshine others.

We look at the richest individuals, the highest achievers,

or the top performers in their fields, and we can’t help but feel like we’re falling short.

While these desires – to be wealthy, live in luxury, achieve academic excellence, and build a happy family – are understandable,

they don’t necessarily define a fulfilled life.

In reality, these aspects of life are often the result of our choices and efforts, rather than the ultimate measure of fulfillment.

When we equate wealth, status, and material success with a fulfilled life, we miss the mark.

This mindset can lead to unhealthy attitudes and dispositions.

But what about those who choose a different path?

What about individuals like the Apostle Paul or Jesus, who remained unmarried?

And What about those who didn’t achieve the highest academic honours or accumulate wealth?

Are they living unfulfilled lives?

As we’ve established, our choices, efforts, and circumstances shape our achievements and possessions.

To avoid unhealthy pressure, it’s crucial to redefine what a fulfilled life truly means.

Simply put, a fulfilled life is a life that counts.

In this article, we’ll explore three key measures of a fulfilled life: (1) Being Content, (2) Being a Blessing, and (3) Being Saved.

The Fulfilled Life.

1. Being Content:

A contented person acknowledges and accepts the realities of life, including our differences.

Contentment isn’t about settling for mediocrity or being okay with your current struggles.

Rather, it’s about appreciating yourself, your circumstances, and your progress towards your goals.

It’s recognizing that you’re doing the best you can, and that’s something to be valued.

1 Timothy 6:6 KJV

[6] But godliness with contentment is great gain.
https://bible.com/bible/1/1ti.6.6.KJV

An uncontented mind is not only unhealthy, but it’s also closely tied to ingratitude.

We must acknowledge that some things in life are beyond our control, but we can still work to improve them.

Failing to accept this reality can lead to a toxic mindset, poisoning our journey through life.

Let’s explore some scenarios that illustrate this point.

Kylan is a young, beautiful, and promising girl from a poor background.

For years, she’s admired her wealthy friends and couldn’t help but wonder why she wasn’t born into a more affluent family.

She’s even questioned God, thinking that if she had the chance to choose her parents, she would have picked wealthier ones.

Kylan has a passion for beauty and longs to adorn herself with the finer things that enhance a girl’s appearance.

However, her family’s financial struggles have made it impossible for her to afford these luxuries.

Despite their limited means, Kylan’s parents have worked tirelessly to provide her with a university education,

viewing her as a valuable investment in their future.

At the university, Kylan joined a large and influential fellowship on campus.

The pastor, affectionately known as ‘Papa’, was a wealthy and renowned figure, highly respected by the majority of students.

Kylan’s exceptional singing talent and striking beauty quickly caught the attention of the church administration.

They showered her with honours, support, and guidance in the music ministry.

As the church wrapped its arms around her, Kylan grew deeply devoted to the pastor.

She began to regard him as a father figure, eventually adopting his surname and attributing all her accomplishments to his influence.

To this day, Kylan’s biological parents remain unknown to the public.

Due to her deep reverence for the pastor and his wife, as well as her adoption of their surname,

many people have come to assume that they are her biological parents.

Just like Kylan, un-contentment can lead us to overlook and dishonour the good things and people in our lives that we consider “small” or insignificant.

We often find ourselves drawn to the more prominent and impressive things, while neglecting the humble and ordinary.

Kylan’s parents, though limited by their circumstances, were still deserving of appreciation and effort to improve their situation.

Instead, Kylan questioned their presence in her life, almost completely erasing them.

This mindset is a perfect illustration of un-contentment and a life that lacks true fulfilment.

Similarly, when faced with a challenging circumstance, such as being born with a disability,

it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and even angry with God, ourselves, or our parents.

However, allowing these emotions to consume us can make life unbearable.

While it’s undoubtedly difficult to accept such a situation, we must recognize that some things are beyond our control.

Instead of getting bogged down, we can choose to focus on the good things and people in our lives,

accept the fleeting nature of life, and find ways to make our journey meaningful and worthwhile.

These scenarios illustrate a broader pattern that can play out in various aspects of our lives.

When we fail to appreciate the small accomplishments, the progress we’ve made,

or the good people who surround us, we open ourselves up to a deep-seated un-contentment.

This mindset can lead to a life that feels empty and unfulfilling – a life that lacks purpose and meaning.

Moreover, this un-contentment can also drive us to make reckless decisions that put ourselves and others at risk.

The Fulfilled Life.

2. Being a Blessing:

Ezekiel 34:26 KJV

[26] And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.
https://bible.com/bible/1/ezk.34.26.KJV

As humans, our primary assignment on earth is multifaceted: to have dominion, fill, multiply, and replenish the earth.

While many of us have focused primarily on the aspect of having children, God’s instruction encompasses more.

In essence, God expects us to utilize the gifts and talents He has bestowed upon us to add value to the world.

This means that the positive impact of our lives should benefit others greatly,

whether through charitable acts, innovative solutions, or selfless service.

By doing so, we can be a blessing to those around us.

Many people may feel that they’re unable to be a blessing due to their limited resources, environment, or support.

However, we often overlook a crucial fact: Living (Life) itself is a gift.

The smallest actions, such as the words we speak, the places we serve, and our positive attitude, can have a profound impact on others.

Unfortunately, many of us fail to recognize the significant difference we can make in the lives of others through even the smallest gestures.

As a result, we may end up living a life that lacks purpose and meaning.

Let’s consider Alli’s story, for example.

Alli, a young man in his late 20s, lives modestly in a small self-contained apartment.

Despite having friends who have achieved great success—owning mansions and luxury cars, Alli remains content with his simple life.

He does a decent job, hoping for better opportunities, and prioritizes paying his rent, feeding himself, and supporting his family.

Alli was confident that he would one day be blessed with material wealth, but he was in no hurry to rush the process.

Instead, he focused on his spiritual growth and service to others.

As a dedicated sanctuary keeper at his church,

Alli would arrive early every Sunday to ensure the premises were clean before the congregation arrived.

His commitment and diligence earned him a special place in the pastor’s heart,

who would often pray for him and seek God’s blessings on his life.

Although Alli may not have been one of the church’s major donors,

his selfless act of serving as a vessel to clean the church’s facilities

– including the chairs, altars, and toilets – was a profound blessing to both the pastor and the church.

Fate smiled on Alli one day when a wealthy church member, who owned a large company, announced a job vacancy.

Many young church members were eager to apply, but the pastor quietly recommended Alli to the businessman.

Given the pastor’s endorsement and the businessman’s trust in him, Alli landed the job without needing an interview or submitting his resume.

This marked a significant turning point in Alli’s life,

transforming him from a young man living in a small self-contained apartment to a proud owner of his own apartment, complete with an official company car.

This is the way life often unfolds.

We can’t expect to receive blessings without first extending blessings to others.

Alli’s story illustrates this principle perfectly.

Regardless of whether he secured the job or not, his selfless service had already earned him favour with his pastor.

The pastor would have been more than willing to help Alli with any need he had,

but Alli’s contentment and motivation to serve were rooted in his devotion to God.

He continued to serve with a pure heart,

and in due time, fate smiled upon him, bringing about a significant transformation in his life.

You may not have everything figured out or possess everything you desire right now,

but your life can still have a profound impact on others through the small, good deeds you do daily.

By doing so, you’ll find favour in both God’s and people’s eyes, just like Alli.

This is what it means to live a life that truly counts – a life of purpose, fulfilment, and lasting impact.

The Fulfilled Life.

3. Being Saved:

Now, imagine being a blessing to others and living a contented life,

yet lacking the most essential element: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Without faith in Jesus and the gospel of salvation, life remains incomplete and fleeting.

No matter how many good qualities, possessions, or actions we accumulate,

they are all temporary and will be left behind when our time on earth comes to an end.

Ultimately, it is our relationship with Jesus that determines our eternal destiny and reward.

Through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, Christ has infused life with unparalleled worth and reward.

Because of Him, even in death, we can experience eternal life in Christ Jesus.

Moreover, our good deeds and actions on earth are not in vain,

as they will be rewarded in eternity, giving us a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment.

There are many wealthy individuals around the world who are a blessing to their nations, yet some don’t believe in Jesus.

When their time on earth comes to an end, they are gone forever.

In contrast, Christian believers have a unique advantage: even death cannot claim victory over them.

With the assurance that they have “fought the good fight of faith,”

they can face eternity with confidence, knowing they will receive the eternal crown of glory, just as the Apostle Paul proclaimed.

Isn’t that the ultimate fulfilment – living a virtuous life with the promise of eternal glory?

In conclusion, true fulfilment is not measured by our material achievements and possessions.

Rather, it is found in living a life marked by humility, gratitude, service to others,

and, ultimately, a personal relationship with Christ.

What a beautiful life it is to cultivate contentment, be a blessing to others, and have the assurance of salvation.

This is the path to a truly fulfilling life.

Also Read: A Life Worth Living – Diademng

The Fulfilled Life.