RULE 7

Rule 7: Pursue what is meaningful. (Not what is expedient)

This chapter takes the reader on a journey from Socrates to Solzhenitsyn, from Jesus to Jung, from Cain and Abel to the Brothers Kamarazov.

Amazingly, the entire voyage exceeded all of my expectations.

Let me explain.

On many occasions in this blog, I've mentioned my ongoing search to understand the meaning of the whole ball game called life. For some, it's enough to embrace a faith and leave the theology part to the heavy thinkers. For others, rejecting a faith is more the preoccupation. But for me, like an unfinished puzzle, I want to put it all together because I have the underlying feeling that a beautiful picture awaits if I just keep working at it. 

The author Yuval Noah Harari has written in his book Sapiens that "religion is anything you want to make it." Perhaps a cynical jab at church goers but a motivation for me to make my religion a springboard for something that "propels me forward", to steal a phrase from Steve Nash.

This chapter certainly has helped me with my puzzle.

Peterson begins by explaining how meaningful sacrifice is the underlying factor for not only successful personhood but also for effective societies. In fact some, like Socrates and Jesus, made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to not only inspire but to help dispel the darkness.

It raises the question, what am I called to sacrifice these days.? My comfort, my money, my time? If it doesn't cost me anything, I know it's not a sacrifice. And, am I even listening to that question on a daily basis?

The author goes into a discussion of Christianity which I found most insightful. He explained how the gospel message of Jesus remarkably turned the world from one of barbarism and slavery into one of compassion and equality of worth. His self sacrifice gave the world a reset.

As well, Peterson's reflections on Jesus's time in the desert when he was tested by Satan are powerful and have given me a new perspective into my faith. Peterson writes, "Christ is forever He who determines to take personal responsibility for the full depth of human depravity. It means that Christ is always He who is willing to confront evil."

This passage got me thinking about the verse from Matthew's gospel when Jesus implored, "Take up your cross and follow me."

I'm not at all sure what Jesus's disciples would make of such a statement. However, I suspect that taking up one's cross means much more than just trying to bear your sufferings. Rather, I think what Jesus is really saying is get with program, get your life together and then follow my example by making every effort to live a life that helps redeem the world. Contrary to some believers, I really don't think Jesus opened up the gates of heaven when he died. Rather, if in fact there are pearly gates, He merely unlocked them and now He's challenging you and I to do our part to keep them open.

If we are to make a positive difference for others, Peterson explains that we must choose what is meaningful, not what is expedient. Now we all know about doing what is expedient; that's our un-sacrificing human nature. Meaning on the other hand, is more elusive. I think meaning has to do with taking the high road when the low road beckons, telling the truth when lying is so much easier, opting to forgive instead of condemn, trying to be more like Santa and less like the Grinch, doing things that cost us a piece of ourselves instead of trying to add to our pieces.

Peterson explains it this way. "Meaning is something that comes upon you, of its own accord. You can set up the preconditions, you can follow meaning, when it manifest itself, but you cannot simply produce it, as an act of will. Meaning signifies that you are in the right place, at the right time, properly balanced between order and chaos, where everything lines up as best it can at that moment."

Simply put, I think Peterson is saying that meaning in life makes itself known whenever we are doing God's will. 

And isn't that what the whole ball game amounts to?