PERFECT NUMBER
PART 2: Seven Markers
Here’s a simple fact: God makes His ways easy to understand and apply. In contrast, humans often complicate God’s ways and place them as secondary. Similar to the archangel Satan, human ways tend to prioritize mankind and self-interest. Why is this the case? We live in a world that is centered on ‘self’. This world serves as a testing ground for truth. The purpose of life is to provide each of us with opportunities to choose between “my way” (i.e., “What’s in it for me?”) and a different path—one that is guided and supported by someone greater than ourselves.
When we enter this world, we are influenced by our surroundings and may not understand this dynamic of divine intervention. As we mature and progress through life, we are eventually confronted with the existence of God and the possibility of His presence. For many, by the time this reality is acknowledged, they find themselves struggling to survive, overwhelmed by the layers of the world’s complexities.
We come into this world as part of it, so we don’t immediately understand the concept of ‘God intervention.’ As we grow older and mature, we eventually confront the idea of God’s existence and presence. For many, this realization comes later in life, often while they are overwhelmed by the complexities of the world around them.
As a caring parent, God offers clear and accessible ways for us to know Him. How do we know this? As the Creator and King of the universe, He loves everything He has made, and this includes you. If He didn’t love us, there would be no reason for creation. He grants each of us the gift of free will, allowing us to discover Him on our own, should we choose to embark on that journey.
The number seven (7) is often referred to as the “perfect number” in scripture. It represents perfection, which is why it is significant that God has reserved seven essential pieces of information for you to understand and use throughout your life, from the first breath of spiritual understanding to the last.
Let’s start with the knowledge of our existence. Why are we here? It’s crucial to recognize that God doesn’t need us for His existence; He simply is. He always has been. The term “God” serves as a label we use to describe existence, or “existential life.” Whether or not we exist, He is. He has always been and always will be. If we consider “life” as the universal consciousness of being, we may better define Him as “God.” The universal essence of life is grounded in “Truth and Love.” Through His omnipresence, omnipotence, and omniscience, God is all-present, all-powerful, and all-knowing.
God’s character and nature embody “Truth and Love.” It is through His manifested spirit that God interacts with the universe, and His interactions are rooted in “Trust and Forgiveness.”
Thus, the first three elements of our “perfect seven” are:
1. Purpose of Life - to Embrace Truth
2. Essence of Love - Forgiveness
3. Relationship Linchpin - Trust
The goals rooted in God’s scriptural “Ten Commands” are tied to these three. Each of these three plays a significant role in our interactions. Both with each of us and God, as well as each of us and others. (Those who come into our lives). The purpose, essence, and interactions of living require and offer opportunities to embrace and activate (to the extent we choose) Truth, Love, Forgiveness, and Trust. Upon these four are established the foundation and applications of our life and daily living choices.
When we understand the foundation to become the best person we can, worthiness and value become undeniable. They become a strength (our strength) that the world cannot put asunder. Coupled with this strength and its knowledge we are now able to take on full personal responsibility for our words and actions. This single acknowledgement and application automatically elevates you to the top in your world.
Now that we have a clear understanding of the actions we can take in our daily situations, circumstances, and responses, how can we achieve success in every relationship, both at home and at work?
We utilize the final three steps of adult responsive behavioral living, referred to as “Life 101A,” by responding to people and situations with moral and ethical actions. We have come to understand God’s “Character and Nature,” which embodies truth and love. These qualities are reflected in our moral and ethical behaviors. To fully comprehend and apply these principles, we must reactivate our ‘spirit of origination,’ which represents our spiritual connection with God as our Creator. We accomplish this by embracing and expressing the following five scriptural steps:
1. Matthew 7:7-8
2. John 16:13
3. John 14:16, 26
4. John 14:6
5. Romans 10:9,10,13,17
This is how easy God makes living. If you want to reduce the stress, struggle, pressure, and conflict in life, embrace and implement these steps. Know, understand, implement. Between now and last breath, your life and participation in your world will never be the same. Your life and your world will change forever.
The issue with this new acknowledged growth is sustainability. Why? We each occupy a world that does not operate with this knowledge, understanding, or desire to love God first and most, nor treat others the way we want to be treated. It’s that simple.
When you live by Life 101A responses, you will, for the most part, be on your own. Why? The world rejects this information and its implementation. These steps of understanding are in direct opposition to the ways of the world. Your clashes will run the gamut as you’re tested and challenged. Fear not. Your new understanding will allow you to turn from those trying to disrupt your being.
Disregarding their presence or pressure will be easy. As they don’t embrace, nor do they come from truth. They will voluntarily ‘deport’ themselves from you. By actions on your part, their absence will reduce the negative energy in your life as much as you desire. You will be free to practice responding with truthful and loving actions and to give energy to those you choose to include in your life.
By establishing or re-establishing a spiritual relationship with God through Christ Jesus (the five steps of spiritual grounding and acquired strength), you will automatically recognize truth in every situation, person, circumstance, or event. Because you practice loving God and treating others respectfully (Matthew 22:37-40), your responses will be rooted in moral and ethical understanding, guiding your behavioral actions.
Go and live your life. I invite you to know, embrace, and employ these seven as your behavioral compass rose. Your worth and value to those in your life will be incomparable. Your life will be changed, here and hereafter.