satisfaction

Do you fill out satisfaction surveys? Take the time to let companies know how satisfied you are with their service? Do you only fill them out when you are not happy? What about if you are pleased with how your interaction with them went?

I usually don’t fill them out. Even though some say, they will enter your name in a drawing for a cash prize. I guess I am skeptical that anyone ever wins. I do feel convicted, though, to take the time to mention when an individual resolves an issue to my satisfaction.

Would you consider filling out a satisfaction survey on your spouse? Anonymously, of course! What about your other relationships? Children, friends, pastor, or boss? Would you dare fill out one for God?

Perhaps people don’t actually sit down and fill out a form, but how they are responding to what God is trying to do in their life may be a “living form.” For instance, if they drop out of going to church, stop tithing, or discontinue inviting others to attend church services with them. Or they might even press pause on reading their Bible because they are not happy or satisfied with God.

When one who believes in God doesn’t receive the answers they want to their prayers, or if the timing is taking longer than they expected, they can become disgruntled. In a relationship with God, it is vital to maintain total trust in Him. That is why the scripture says, “with all thine heart,” per the King James Version. If you can do this, your satisfaction with God will be guaranteed!

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
    your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
    give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
    your wine vats will brim over.
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
    don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
    a father’s delight is behind all this. Prov. 3:5-12 (MSG)

Technology, computers were supposed to make our lives easier. Give us more time to sit back and enjoy life, friends and family. Can anyone say that is the case in their life? Doesn’t it seem as if there is always somewhere we have to be and something we have to do? Are you caught up on the latest hot shows? Then there is the constant ringing, dinging, buzzing of our cell phones. Here’s the latest news, latest text from friends, family and work. Do you ever want to roll the car window down and chuck it? Then there are the calls you don’t want. “Spam Risk” my phone now alerts me. And if I want to extend my car’s warranty, I’ll call you!

We deal with this manic life day in and day out. It begs the question, “What, or who are we living for?” What is at the end of it all? And when you get there, will you be happy? Will you look back at it all and be satisfied? Will you be able to say your life was one that was well lived?

Paul, the apostle from the Bible, didn’t have to be connected all the time, but I’m sure there were things that brought on similar feelings and situations we face today. Yet he was able to put things in proper perspective. Here are his own words, spoken at the end of his life:

^“You take over. I’m about to die, my life an offering on God’s altar. This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.” 2 Tim. 4:6-8 (MSG)

Paul lived his life for God. The man was sold out to his commitment to be God’s servant. He went where God wanted him to go. He did what God wanted him to do, and he said whatever God asked of him to say. The beatings he suffered made his determination more fervent. The many mishaps as he traveled to spread the gospel speared him on to reach his destinations. Paul looked at the results of his devoted life to God and was happy at the end. Satisfied.

If your life isn’t truly and honestly fulfilling, know that it can be. Living for God, by God’s word will bring such peace and happiness to anyone’s life when placed in the proper perspective. Is it easy, no, but is it worth it, yes! I challenge you to try it. Start today, for your connected life to the world may delay you , or worse, prevent you from ever obtaining true happiness.

brady, mark a.

Words to inspire you

Satisfaction Guaranteed

“Happy? Pappy?”