In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
Proverbs 12:28 NIV
In the past years the UN has come out with the annual quality of life index. It measures things like access to health care, opportunities for schooling, ease of transportation, and other variables. In most western countries we get all nervous if we drop a spot or two in this ranking, while other countries can climb dozens of spots with the simple calling of a cease fire, yet they are so low on the ranking that it really doesn't make much of a difference.
The one thing the UN ranking cannot measure is satisfaction and contentment; two values that are not dependant upon "measurables." These characteristics do not match the formula for success that most of the world around us holds to, yet they really are what people are looking for.
Jesus, when addressing a people who were looking for a way to get out from under the tyranny and unjust treatment they suffered in the Roman occupation, spoke of this in John 10:10: "The thief comes only to steal, destroy and to kill," he said with the crowds understanding this to be the Romans. He went on to sat, "l come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly"
What the crowds didn't understand is that Christ's reference, much like Proverbs 12:28 above, speaks not only of the physical, UN here-and-now type of life, but that he spoke of contentment, satisfaction, and inner peace, as well as eternity and immortality. The life Jesus offers - the life that our Heavenly Father offers - goes beyond the UN index.
Jesus also said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me" (John -
14:6). Whoever would come to find forgiveness and purpose in Him will experience life that isn't dependant upon the external measurable things that the UN uses. They've found something that will last forever, as well as affect the life they live here on earth.
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