“A man reaps what he sows”

“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
— Marcus Aurelius (Meditations, Book 5.20)

With that quote, we can see that for thousands of years, man has understood the value of time, the necessity of action, and the simple fact that we all die. For this reason, to be happy and at peace, we must be laser-focused on our goals. We must use our time with the right sense of urgency for what we want to happen in our lives within the time life grants us.

First, we must attach ourselves to what is spiritually superior. God can give peace to the spirit even in difficult times, and love can give purpose. However, love—even being the strongest source of purpose—must come with discernment, for what is not of good nature should not be our purpose. We also have a moral obligation to ourselves to become fruitful and resourceful; blaming and complaining will not solve the problems nor the challenges we face, nor will they make dreams come true.

We must understand that everything in this universe is given to the one who works for it with faith and without complaint. Yet, the human of today has forgotten the very basic needs required to live a happy and peaceful life. These are the things we need, expressed in a basic list based on (and expanding upon) Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:

1. Air
2. Water
3. Food
4. Health
5. Shelter
6. Sleep and rest
7. Strength and Safety
8. Love and belonging
9. Esteem
10. Self-fulfillment
11. Education
12. Opportunity
13. Discipline
14. Responsibility
15. Maturity

With that list, we can see that society has lost track of what is truly important. Today, humans focus on brands, lifestyle, experiences, cars, looks, shoes, bags, cellphones, sports, social media, and lust. Based on these superficial and unimportant things, we engage in a crazy comparison with others driven by ego, pride, and the self, making us lose sight of what truly matters. Life and love do not require those superficial things.

“The bravest sight in the world is to see a great man struggling against adversity”
-Seneca

That quote from Seneca gives us a great view of life: life is struggle, pain, and sacrifice; therefore, faith and purpose are required. Believe me, there is nothing more loved than a man or woman fighting for the next right thing to happen, to protect what they love, and to provide for their loved ones.

“You will know them by their fruits.”
— Matthew 7:16 (NKJV)

The truth of a human is that what he does materializes. The man sitting on his couch all day—playing video games, watching sports, TV shows, and porn, and not working to provide—consumes those around him. Similarly, the extravagant person who wants to be adored for things with no value also materializes their nature, bringing disgrace to their home and family.

This is different from the man who cares for himself, who takes good care of his health and home, who works hard and respects good disciplines. He knows that hard work turns into wealth and care for others. A man who can work hard, disregarding the conditions, can produce. The man who produces and reaches a level of production that is not only enough to cover his needs is the one in the position to share, to protect, and to create opportunities for others. It is clear that a human of value loves his life and his loved ones with action, not just with words.

Here are some verses from the Bible for you to read and analyze:

“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” –
-1 John 2:16-17 (NIV)

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
-Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

So do not fear. Separate yourself from instant satisfaction—lust, drugs, alcohol, partying, bad company, egoism, and all that is of no good nature and only satisfies the self. Say what you want to do and be, and act now!

Written by: Rhet A. Marini