Assurance for the modern age
Part 10: Is this enough?
As a religious person, I can live with this way of life. It is noble, profound, good, making a beneficial impact on the world. It is not for me to say it is not fulfilling if wise, good people say that it is. This secular way of life is, of course, rare, just as those who live a devoted and good religious life are much rarer than they should be. I want to say that the secular person is still missing out on something though, and that’s because the thing I treasure most of all about my life of faith is precisely that sense of sharing it with the God of love. Perhaps that is my selfishness coming out? The list of principles and values above is so profound and good that you might feel it is wrong to say that there is anything more to living a good life. Surely that is enough? Yet for me – perhaps because of my weakness – I have no chance at all of even attempting this wonderful list except the love of God I experience in my inner life keeps prodding me onwards. Yet more than this, I want to say that our inner relationship with God is supremely precious. If I was somehow extremely limited in life, maybe by ill health or even imprisonment, I would still be able to access my relationship with God, and this can bring enormous joy and fulfilment, even if your external impact on the world is slight.
There is the crucial issue of whether the secular person is alone. Of course, they may be very active in the world, surrounded by friends, cherished by loved ones. When alone, they will be able to look inwards and cherish the fact that they are loved and cared for by others. They may feel enormous strength as they review their own values and mission. And no God is required! Yet I have to say again that what I cherish most of all (as well as what fuels my sense of mission) is precisely my relationship with God.
Spiritual Devotion 