Fulfilment

<<completion, satisfaction>>

This is a state, process, or act by which a situation comes to a complete end, whether ultimately good or bad. It may extend over an indefinite period or be limited to a specific time frame (Lk 1:57, 2:6).

In today’s consumer society people look to things to give happiness or contentment but the Bible says, “A person’s life doesn’t consist in the abundance of their possessions” (Lk 12:15). Often a person’s life feels emptier the more they possess because they have less

Where do I look to for fulfilment?

of God who alone can satisfy the yearning within, besides having the added responsibility of more to look after. Others seek ‘love’ in inappropriate relationships that cannot satisfy.

Solomon considered life was frustrating and lacked fulfilment when lived in isolation from God, yet there was meaning and fulfilment when a person is connected to God (Eccl 1:2,14, 12:11-14). We are created for God's pleasure, and as long as we are living for Him we are doing His will and thus are being fulfilled no matter what we are passing through (Eph 1:5; Rev 4:11).

St Augustine noted long ago that ‘Thou hast made us for thyself, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.’ Only then can we be truly fulfilled. “He [God] will fulfill the desire of those who reverence and trust Him” for we cannot bring about His purposes in our own ability (Ps 107:9, 145:19; Zech 4:6). It will take time, continual effort and dedicated “fixing your eyes on Christ” to bring about His goals for your life which will happen in His timing (Num 23:19; Isa 55:11; Hab 2:3; Heb 12:1). The Bible says, “Live by the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh” (Gal 5:16).

The fulfilment of the promise does not depend on our circumstances but on us meeting His conditions. So fulfill God’s calling on your life, being confident that He will bring it about as you co- operate with Him, not being content with your present attainment, instead pressing on to greater levels

We must do our part

to fulfill your potential and calling (Phil 1:6, 3:12-14). This may require persistent prayer to bring about the breakthrough (Lk 18:1-8). Paul’s compelling motivation was to “Finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me…Not being disobedient to the heavenly vision” (Act 20:24, 26:19).

Jesus came and fulfilled the OT law and the many prophecies spoken about Him, including bring thirsty and offered vinegar when on the cross (Ps 22:15, 69:21; Mt 5:17,18; Jn 19:28,29). Love is the fulfilment of God’s law (Rom 13:8-10; Gal 5:14). It was Christ’s love for mankind that took Him to the cross. We too, are to “Bear the burdens of others and so fulfill the law of Christ” – self-sacrificing for the good of others so God will be glorified (Gal 6:2). Paul prayed, “By His power may God fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith” (2 Thes 1:11).

We should honour the commitments we have made to both God and others (Ps 15:4; Eccl 5:4; Mt 5:33).