Advice for life

The bible not only teaches us about God and His plan for the earth. It also provides advice about how you can live a happier and more fulfilled life now. Unfortunately, not that many people actually read the bible, so the opportunity for a better world is being missed.

Let me give you an example. Many of us would have heard the name Nelson Mandela. Mr Mandela was imprisoned in 1962 by the South African government for his stance and activities against apartheid. Apartheid comes from an Afrikaans word meaning ‘separateness’ and referred to the South African policy of racial segregation. Mr Mandela was finally released from prison in 1990.

Here is a man who lost 27 years of his life because of a policy most of us would not agree with. He could easily have been bitter and resentful about his wasted life. Instead, he is famous for this statement (amongst others) – “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” He understood how unhappy we are if we hold onto hatred and bitterness.

Mr Mandela later became the president of South Africa and won a Nobel peace prize.

Almost 2000 years before these events, the Apostle Paul wrote the following:

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” 2 Timothy 2:24 (NIV)

In a world full of violence, war and hatred, the bible invites us all to find a better way. If you take the time to have a read, you can enjoy a happier life now, plus see some hope for the future!