One of the amazing things about life is the close relationship between the spiritual and the material. It is as though the sacred and the secular are one. The tangible derives its worth from the intangible. Our possessions as well as the events of our lives have no real value apart from our state of mind. If there is no spiritual content to the way we live then what we have and what we do has little meaning. Sometimes we talk about mind over matter. In reality what we have on our minds is what really matters. It dictates our ability to enjoy the material aspects of our being. In no way can we exclude the spiritual ramifications of life's events.

We take a vacation, but unless our souls are prepared for such an event there is little rest and relaxation. Emotional baggage is much more stressful than arms full of luggage. Family reunion cannot be a happy event if there are strained relationships. We can never find satisfaction and fulfillment in our work if there is tension with co-workers. A beautiful house can never be a home without love and forgiveness. Fine cars are nothing but transportation unless there is faith for the journey. Technology may give us relief from tedious chores. It may add hours of free time to our lives, but only God can add peace to our pastime as He becomes Lord of our leisure. Friends are nothing but acquaintances until there is a bonding of souls. Church is only a building unless there is genuine commitment to the things of God.

The bottom line to all this is we cannot enjoy life if there is inner strife. Guilt, resentment, retaliation, jealousy, unforgiving hate, and the likes will destroy all of life's parties. The joy of whatever we do, wherever we go, and however we live comes from the condition of our hearts. The abundant life is one in which the spiritual is in harmony with the physical. The invisible ministers to the visible. We enjoy life, not because we are perfect, but because we struggle toward it. Repentance and faith are our best tools in working out our own salvation. In fact there is no salvation nor happiness apart from them. Be happy inside where it really counts.