Axioms for Life – Part Two

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Phillipians 4: 8)

Axioms are distilled truths refined to make clear the understanding of principles worthy of incorporated in life.

AXIOM THREE
Each moment of life is a time of trial or temptation. Our responses are much more important than our circumstances.

A trial gives the opportunity to stand true to your convictions.

A temptation gives occasion for our weaknesses to be exploited.

In his epic poem “The Odyssey,” the poet Homer depicts his hero Ulysses leading his army toward Troy. Unexpectedly he came to a flooded river. In frustration Ulysses waded into the water waste deep and in his fury begin thrashing the water with a chain. Needless to say it was to no avail. This is a graphic of how some people respond to difficulty.

Another writer with a background in Greek gives a more stable reaction. He was the Apostle Paul, a thinker of the level of Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates. In Corinth he stood before his accusers, his would be executers, and addressed his taunters: “For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparisons. “ (II Corinthians 4: 17) 

Don’t let the circumstances of life master you — you master them.

AXIOM FOUR
Don’t waste time. Benjamin Franklin called time”the substance life is made of.” Philip Dormer Stanhope, the Earl of Chesterfield, penned this wisdom: “Know the true value of time. Snatch it, seize it, enjoy every second of it. No laziness, no idleness, no procrastination, never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” It might be added, don’t put a thing off until tomorrow, you might enjoy it so much today you will want to do it again tomorrow.

In ancient Sanskrit the following was recorded.

“Look well to this day, for it, and it alone, is life. In the brief course of this one day, live all the verities and realities of your existence; the pride of growth, the glory of action, the splendor of beauty. Yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow a vision. Yet, each day, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and each tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this one day, for it alone is life.”

Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not guaranteed. So make every day your day. Make it the best day of your life — so far. Be kind to your tomorrow self. Your today’s self’s actions are being filed away as memories. Approach every day with the attitude, “I’m going to make a memory.”

BIblical encouragement stresses the importance of time management:

“So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise, making the best use of your time because the times are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)