Eternal life is knowing God to the point that we are looking to Him constantly for wisdom in our daily routines and challenges. God is the Master of everything from algebra to zebras, of every art form, every trade, every science. The Lord is more than willing to advise and help us in all we are and do. Look to Him right now and see if I am correct. This is eternal life.

* The ability to behave righteously toward all people. We know the golden rule is to do to others as we would have them do to us. Sometimes we feel justified in treating people harshly, but we usually are wrong in this.

Probably the biggest problem facing people is in the area of relationships. The problem is found today in the home, in domestic disputes, and among the nations in preparation for war. We just have an awful time getting along with one another.

Each year in Jerusalem the International Christian Embassy celebrates the feast of Tabernacles. One of the highlights of the nightly meetings occurs when the pilgrims from many nations, wearing their national costumes, stand and are recognized.

This always brings tears to my eyes, and I do not cry easily. To see Jews, Egyptians, Arabs, Germans, people from the former Communist countries, standing together to glorify God is a moving sight indeed. Only Jesus, only Jesus is capable of bringing about the brotherhood the world leaders talk about but can never accomplish.

The philosophers and politicians have been attempting to bring peace throughout the history of the world perhaps. But peace always eludes them even when their intentions are pure and honorable. Peace always shall elude them because of the sinful nature of fallen man.

Only Jesus has the power of eternal life. Only eternal life can grow in a Jew, an Arab, a German, a Catholic Irishman, a Protestant Irishman, an African, and an Englishman until they are able to stand together in absolute unity and trust.

The world is always learning but never will come to the knowledge of the truth. We all are waiting for Him to come to whom the crown rightfully belongs.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:6,7—NIV)

* Bright hope for the future. Several million American people suffer from some form of depression. One of the symptoms of depression is pessimism concerning the future. Though we live in one of the wealthiest nations on earth we are fearful concerning the future.

Indeed as we grow older and see the way the world is going we have reason to be pessimistic. Christian people are dreading the increasing power of the United Nations because they know eventually this will result in laws being imposed on them over which they have no control, laws that reflect non-Christian values. It seems every day brings us closer to a world governed by wicked people.

But then we look to God and we see Him laughing. God is laughing at the ridiculous spectacle of the dust of the ground vaunting itself against Him and His righteous ways. God always remains in total control of this world. Never forget that.

To be continued.