my group got 'the vigorous life.'
i dont feeling like being old and english and pulling out the definition of 'vigorous', but the basic idea (that i gleaned anyways) is meaning. identity. adrenaline.
over the last few weeks, i've been contemplating identity and where people get it. to throw my entire high school into one basket, i'm going to say that most teenagers gain their identity from very few sources, the main ones being: clothes, drinking, and random sexual encounters. (one could argue that they also draw their identity from their friends, but since their friends are just as lacking as they are, it's a bit circular to say such.)
so, vigorous life. the thing that makes you feel alive is what you live for. it defines you. people get addicted to things that feel good, things that send off endorphines. whether it's solace in the sensual sentiments of a stranger, straight up saké or saving for sick shoes, my generation has given up on any real sense of ever figuring out who they are, and have resigned themselves to a label tailor-made by pop-culture.
as christians, it's obvious that what makes us feel 'alive' should be Jesus. 'the vigorous life' should be something that arises out of serving Him. of course, thats a rather odd mentality. how on earth does someone achieve the same 'high' that one receives from a mind-blowing concert, but at church? my answer for now: you don't.
one of pauls fixations (no, i'm not going to quote anything. if you disagree with me strongly, get all berian on my butt and shove scripture down my trachea that proves me wrong, otherwise. yeah) is with dying to self to live for Christ. in a way, i think this may be the most 'vigorous life'. all these things that people are living for, shoes, cell phones, sex, sales, summer, cigarettes, sumo wrestling, what have you, they're all self-focused. the endorphines are for ME. the flesh is what is appeased. the spirit is left to go rot in a ditch somewhere.
* i'm not advocating a lack of any of these things, but i'm also not going to explain why i'm not advocating their abolishment, because i'm sure you've heard both sides.*
anyways, this whole idea of dying to self to live the most vigorous life. it wont be the same 'high' as before, because you arent seeking to please the same master as before.
joy would be the outcome of self-sacrifice. living for God would induce security in a way that is completely foreign to the Godless life.
i think that's all for now.
music wise, i'm going to advocate: Danger:Wildman by The Devil Wears Prada.
lyrical exceprt:
when worded correctly, truth is never a cliche
