An interesting phrase that is used in the Bible is the “Book of Life.” The “Book of Life” is a symbolic record of those who belong to God and are granted eternal life. It appears in several places across both the Old and New Testaments.
In Philippians 4:3, Paul is speaking of all his fellow workers “whose names are in the book of life.” In Revelations 3:5, John speaks of those who walk with God and says “their names will not be erased from the book of life.” And a verse that really got my attention was Revelation 20:15. It reads: “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown in the lake of fire.” Not only did it get my attention it emphasized what a significant issue this is.
Fifty-two years ago, I wrestled with this personally. I must admit I was fearful of entrusting my life to Christ. However, I wanted eternal life. I wanted my sins forgiven. I wanted my name recorded in the book of life. So, at age 20, I reluctantly waved the white flag and surrendered my heart to Christ. I was resigned to living a boring, uneventful life going forward.
Boy, was I wrong. I never dreamed of the life He had for me. For the first time I felt real purpose and meaning in my life as I understood the reason for my earthly existence. I also felt complete as a human being and found a peace and joy I have never experienced.
There is one other thing I came to realize. This hit home for me in the movie, As Good as It Gets. Jack Nicholson plays the role of Melvin Udall, a successful author with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He plays a really weird character. Helen Hunt’s character is a struggling waitress at a breakfast restaurant. Melvin likes her and pursues her, yet they have a tumultuous relationship. You get the impression she doesn’t really like him because he is so odd, but he is the only man pursuing her. Towards the end of the movie, they are having dinner and she makes the comment that he never pays her compliments. She then says, “Melvin, pay me a compliment.” He stammers around and finally tells her he has a great compliment for her. He says, “When we started going out, I started taking my pills again.” She rolled her eyes and asked, “What kind of compliment is that?” He responds, “You make me want to be a better man.”
It’s a powerful line. Once you become a Christian, Jesus wants to empower you to become a better man or woman. So many people are totally focused on what they are experiencing in life whereas God is focused on the type of people we are becoming. Once you become a Christian, Jesus wants to empower you to be a better man.
Richard E Simmons III is the founder and Executive Director of The Center for Executive Leadership and a best-selling author.
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