To Focus On "Living" Is Idolatry

When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah. After the birth of Methuselah, Enoch lived in close fellowship with God for another 300 years, and he had other sons and daughters. Enoch lived 365 years, walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him. [Genesis 5.21-24]

Isn't long life supposed to be a blessing? If so, then why did God take Enoch when he was only 365 years old when Enoch's contemporaries had been living in excess of 900 years? This only further confirms to me that "living a long and prosperous life" pales sharply in comparison to walking in fellowship with God (see Remaining Alive).

People today are more focused on living a good life than they are on having a good relationship with God. Sadly, the Church is doing little, if anything, to significantly change this focus. In fact, many churches do more to promote "good life" than they do good relationship with God. The undeniable proof is found in the self-centered focus of "being blessed" more so than "blessing others" confirmed by popular statements like: "You can't take care of others until you take care of yourself," or, "you have to love yourself before you can love others," or worse yet, "be the best you that you can be."

To focus on "living" is idolatry. This focus on "living" is supported by a myriad of subordinate idols whose purpose revolves solely around "living" - pursuing life and happiness. If only people would spend as much time and energy knowing God as they do pursuing life (evidenced in their servitude to debt, insurance, medicine and technology), what might that society look like?

Father, may my focus be Your Kingdom and Your will with no concern for myself. You said You would take care of my needs and that is enough for me. I want to experience more of You and less of the world. Nothing could be better than You removing me from this life sooner than later just because You desire to have me in Your presence... But, in the meantime, may my relationships with others reflect my relationship with You. So be it.