My photo: still waters at Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park, Canada

“…become blameless and pure, children of God…in which you shine as stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…” (Philippians 2:15-16a, NIV)

Authentic living is real, genuine, and directly related to God who created you and designed you for His divine purpose. Living life in God’s way and in His power becomes fruitful and transformational as you see each new day as a gift from God and a new beginning.

Professor Jason Arday of Cambridge University is an excellent role model for viewing life as a series of beginnings. Each day is a new start in the marathon of life. According to his story reported in ABC News, Jason struggled to speak by age 11 and was not able to read and write until age 18. Yet, even in his struggles, he never felt disabled. Instead, he felt energized and powerfully encouraged by a mother who deeply loved and cared about him. She told him that he was special and that, even though he did not have the same abilities as some other people, his own abilities and talents could be mobilized to help change the world! Here was a mother who empowered Jason in two ways: value and vision. Jason drew inspiration about his own value from the loving response of his mother. Convinced of his potential, he tenaciously pursued a vision of helping others and impacting a needy world.

An amazing true story is revealed in the Bible of how Jesus confronted and called Saul who became the Apostle Paul (Acts 9:15). Paul reminds each of us that, ultimately, it is God who supremely loves and values us – demonstrating His sacrificial love through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. In Jesus, we find unfailing love, meaning, purpose and vision to make a transforming difference in the world. In Jesus, we experience both the greatest value and a divine vision to live as shining holy lights in a morally dark culture (Philippians 2:14-15).

• Next step: Examine your mindset – do you see yourself as God sees you – highly valued and created for His purpose? God offers you a new beginning!  If you belong to Jesus, live what you are becoming in Him.