Eat, Pray, Love

I entirely agree with the title of this movie; but in drastically different measures than intended by the author. The woman here, who sets out to find what she 'really' wants in life, finds that thorough enjoyment of giving into every indulgence her heart desires, leads her onto the road of true happiness; or so she thinks. While leaving the 'love of her life' as we've seen oh too many times before, she sets out to pursue religion, seclusion, and flat out pure hedonism at it's heighth. A natural tendancy, sure, many have. To 'listen to your heart' as the popular 80's sing star Roxette puts it, brings you to what YOU really want in life, disregarding all the broken relationships of those you've committed to, now severed on your behalf. Something I think we've actually been warned against, if we actually take heed.

The Bible says it best, in that true love, everlasting love "endures all things, hopes, forgives, believes,"...and so on. We are so susceptable to pursuing things that don't last, to love the things which produce yes happiness, but inevitably fade. Our God is to be worshipped first of all, and then enjoyed THROUGH the world which He created. As in Romans it says that "What may be known of Him is manifest in us, for God shows it to us. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are seen, even His eternal power and Godhead; so we are without excuse...but although many know God, we often do not glorify Him as such, are not thankful, but are futile in thought. Our foolish hearts can be so dark, and as the world claims to be wise, foolishness is the actual state. Then while changing the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man...we exchange the truth of God for a lie, worshipping and serving creature rather than Creator; who is (or SHOULD be) blessed through our lives forever." (Romans 1)

Our worldy love and worship is so contrary to what I've come to know through the words of our Lord and Savior from whom perfect love is given. He's given us life through Himself, which was ordained before time, from God the Father from whom also proceeds every perfect gift. (Hebrews and Matthew)

So then "to be carnally minded is death. But to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Romans) So to think upon ourselves and our ever pressing urgent needs, desires, and wants leads only to a life of narcissism. We get trapped within ourselves to believe this way of life, yet we so long for peace. So where does this peace come from?

One source, a true source. A reliable source; not some figment of our imaginations, serenity through quiet, or chanting to a god who is dead. We have hope in God, THE God whose Holy Word says He created heaven and earth, us, calls us as His own, and "desires that none should perish, but come to repentance." We seek fulfillment in life, and He says "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest." He also says that "you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." (John)

So when we set out to 'find ourselves,' our source of life, and purpose therein, where do we find it but outside of ourselves of course. Serving and loving others surely produces joy, regardless of your reasons for it. But where does this service come from? Emptying of self is a gift from God who Himself was "emptied and poured out as an offering" for us, but for HIS glory. He humbled Himself through Jesus' life, whose live's we are to emulate, doing "nothing out of selfish ambition, but considering 'others better than ourselves,'" as He did. (Philippians).

So go out into all the world; travel, eat, enjoy new people, places, cultures, and nations. But give thanks to God our Father who created it all, and to whom all should give glory to and for. And then also set out to pray, that the eyes of your understanding be enlightened; to know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints; the exceeding greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all power and dominion, and every name that is named forever."
And finally love, and pray that He will grant you such according to His glory, to be strengthened with might though His Spirit in the inner man, that He may dwell in your heart through faith; being rooted and grounded in this love, able to comprehend with all the saints what the width and lenghth and depth and heigth is, that is the love of Christ which passes all knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
If we live this, we will be able to eat of His gifts, pray to Him Him for all things, and love as He loves; which proves no selfish thing, but endures forever. This is the greatest of all, and what truely brings about the peace and hope in life we are all searching for.

AMEN