means and ends

I think we get the "means" confused with the "ends".  Our culture has an obsession with money, for example.  We use it as a yardstick to measure success or failure on a personal, national or global level.  Yet money has no usefulness other than to be exchanged for material items and services that we need.  Money is a means to an end and can never be an end in itself.  I think we would be a lot happier if we focused on the "ends" as a starting point.  Examples of "ends" are: finding and using our gifts, making a difference in lives we touch every day, enjoying and spending time with our Lord as a priority.  If we get the "ends" right, I believe we'll have a better chance of getting the "means" right.  I suppose this is where having a relationship with the Lord is especially efficient, because we find our "means" and "ends" in the context of that bond.  As we seek the Lord for truth, grace and help, not only do we get the answers and grace we need...we discover the heart peace that comes from the interaction we have with Him and the joy that comes with knowing we are known.  As Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth and the life..."  Truly, He is the means and He is the end.    John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."   blessings, Rob Smith http://2daysthought.blogspot.com/