Friday, September 11, 2026

Reflection - Measurement of our life

 Source (book): "In The Beginning", Tracing The Gospel Story In Genesis, Chapter 6, "When People Lived for Centuries (Genesis 5)", Question 1, "Measurement of our life", Page 49.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
 

Surviving beyond 100 years is often an achievement celebrated by family and friends.
PHOTO: Surviving beyond 100 years is often an achievement celebrated by family and friends. In our modern times, the longest life span does not stretch beyond 120 years or so. But this was not always the case.

Before the Great Flood, we read in the Bible that people lived amazingly long lives. Adam lived for 930 years while Seth got to 912 years. The lifespans of those who followed are equally unbelievable: Enosh, 905 years; Kenan, 910 years; Mahalalel, 895 years; Jared, 962 years, and Noah, 950 years (Genesis 5; 9:29).

There are many explanations regarding how such long lifespans were possible. They range from textual peculiarities to divine intervention after the Flood to limit the average lifespan to "seventy years, or eighty" (Psalm 90:10, a psalm written by Moses). While this may be an interesting discussion in itself, the purpose of this reflection is to point out one fascinating detail in the list of super lifespans.

Notice that almost all the individuals in the list lived for around 900 years; even Lamech managed 777 years. The one who stands out in the list as having a much shorter lifespan than the rest is Enoch. He lived for only 365 years; a relatively young age compared to the rest.

What is even more intriguing is that Enoch's life did not fit the usual "formula" that measured the others' lives: When A had lived x years, he became the father of B. After that, A lived for y years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether A lived x+y years, and then he died. Moreover, the Bible offers additional information about him, and these two are especially significant:
  • "Enoch walked faithfully with God" - a fact that is mentioned twice, for emphasis (Genesis 5:22, 24);
  • At the end of his life, mysteriously, Enoch "was no more, because God took him away" (Genesis 5:24).

This information grates (make a harsh noise) against popular thinking. One would think that if this man stands out as one who walked faithfully with God (a term that speaks about an intimate relationship with God), he ought to be the one with the longest lifespan rather than the shortest. This is the way the world usually calculates success: length of life, extent of wealth, string of degrees, height of position, and size of following. Unfortunately, these measures of success have also crept into the church. Today, we hear about the health and wealth gospel, which, if not openly proclaimed, is often secretly assumed to be true when one goes about doing one's busy acts of piety (devotion to God, religious duties, or a deep sense of duty and respect toward family, parents (known as filial piety)). Many have come to believe that the closer one is to God, the more successful one would be in this world.

The story of Enoch tells us that God measures true success in a different way. When asked, "How do you measure the success of your work?", Mother Teresa gave her interviewer a puzzled look. She replied, "I don't remember that the Lord ever spoke of success. He spoke only of faithfulness in love. This is the only success that really counts."²º She reminded her enquirer that God measures the effectiveness of a life not by earthly success, but by the quality of that life in relationship to God.

Elsewhere in the Bible, we find that God also measures a man - a church or nation - according to the plumb lines of justice and righteousness (Isaiah 28:17). God measures us not in terms of the material debris we collect on the way, but by the moral integrity we gain from sticking close to Jesus. He measures us not by how much we have become Christlike. That is to say, we will be assessed by how much we have allowed God to accomplish in our lives.

Pragmatic worldliness narrows and distorts our vision of what God expects of us. We can cut the cloth of our lives according to the wrong measures. And when the signs of apparent success start to be evident in our lives, we can lull (feel a false sense of safety) ourselves into thinking that we are doing well. But rather than receiving a strong commendation from the Lord, we may find ourselves rudely awakened one day. After all, the Lord Jesus warned Hid hearers that the day will come when many "will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" (Matthew 7:22-23). If we gave used the wrong instruments to measure our lives, all we may have left are shredded pieces.

How can we avoid these words from being God's final verdict of our lives, "You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting" (Daniel 5:27)? We must familiarise ourselves with the way God measures us and with the instruments He uses. Divine measuring rods and plumb lines measure the inner contours of our souls and the moral foundations of our daily choices and decisions. They measure character and weigh faithfulness. How important it is to know these things and to do something about them before it is too late.


How do you measure your own life? Do you use the world's instruments or the "instruments" of God?
In Chapter 6 of "In The Beginning": Tracing The Gospel Story In Genesis, the author looks at Genesis 5 where people lived for hundreds of years. The main point of Question 1 is that how long or how grand your life looks to the world doesn't matter as much as how you walk with God.

Here is how we can look at measuring life using simple Singapore English:

1. Using the World's Instruments (The "KPI" Method)
In Singapore, we are very used to the world's standard checklist. If you use the world’s ruler to measure your life, you look at:
  • The "5 Cs" / Material Wealth: Judging your value based on your bank account, property, car, or luxury items. 
  • Career and Status: Looking at your job title, promotions, or how many people report to you. 
  • Social Media Likes: Checking how famous or popular you look to other people. 
  • The Problem: In Genesis 5, some men lived for 900+ years and built big cities, but their names are just a footnote because they didn't live for God. The world's instruments only measure temporary success.

2. Using God's "Instruments" (The Eternal Method)
God’s measuring tape does not look at your bank balance or your worldly achievements. He looks at the heart:
  • Faithful Obedience: Are you listening to Him and doing what is right, even when no one is watching? 
  • Relationship with Him: Just like Enoch in Genesis 5, the most important metric is whether you "walked faithfully with God". Enoch didn't live the longest, but God took him away because of their close relationship. 
  • Love for Others: True success in God's eyes is measured by how well you love Him and love the people around you.

Summary Illustration
Think of life like a school report card. The world only grades you on your External Results (money, status, power). But God's report card only has one main subject: Character and Faithfulness. To truly measure your life well, you need to put away the world's calculator and ask yourself: "Am I growing closer to God every day?"

(Answers are provided by Google AI Mode).

Surviving beyond 100 years is often an achievement celebrated by family and friends. In our modern times, the longest life span does not stretch beyond 120 years or so. But this was not always the case.


 Surviving beyond 100 years is often an achievement celebrated by family and friends.
PHOTO: Surviving beyond 100 years is often an achievement celebrated by family and friends. In our modern times, the longest life span does not stretch beyond 120 years or so. But this was not always the case.
Picture posted by Valuable Book Store - Never Alone After 60.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj707UjRLnBNwIk37PII3deX0QcLXJGuKozTE-JeSv2NpQnzEMp3y5i5V31v_866aA_YfnhtUy3hc1I4MBH5BTah682rZKsVYqiDk366EqHRzXYsPryZ_ErZNwvqzbQ5SYJl7ClhyphenhyphenlsWR9RmZtKcWeSlMNTf4LN56-1V8dZ22suR7P5uL96D_ODRMU4L6A/s2272/Never%20Alone%20After%2060_2.png
Never Alone After 60.jpg
https://in.pinterest.com/pin/964755551451830099/


Before the Great Flood, we read in the Bible that people lived amazingly long lives. Adam lived for 930 years while Seth got to 912 years. The lifespans of those who followed are equally unbelievable: Enosh, 905 years; Kenan, 910 years; Mahalalel, 895 years; Jared, 962 years, and Noah, 950 years (Genesis 5; 9:29).

There are many explanations regarding how such long lifespans were possible. They range from textual peculiarities to divine intervention after the Flood to limit the average lifespan to "seventy years, or eighty" (Psalm 90:10, a psalm written by Moses). While this may be an interesting discussion in itself, the purpose of this reflection is to point out one fascinating detail in the list of super lifespans.


 Before the Great Flood, we read in the Bible that people lived amazingly long lives.
PHOTO: Before the Great Flood, we read in the Bible that people lived amazingly long lives. Adam lived for 930 years while Seth got to 912 years. The lifespans of those who followed are equally unbelievable: Enosh, 905 years; Kenan, 910 years; Mahalalel, 895 years; Jared, 962 years, and Noah, 950 years (Genesis 5; 9:29).
Picture posted by Word To Live By on Friday, 05 June 2026 at 02:15 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7talLOYYSo7HiTDn_qzcrGIM9kejskRJjITIfqXK21dF4FGL4nAfXNYSls9XoZC2EDClFPCadITxhouPCdQpDwBNsJOuUvYbitfqXyocdJpB2EAVZQ5o3eV6sQT2vbXOktOO5VXUObvpzneHvo3ZTlKM7grZ5-2jImwS_53JO1uSxVqVyhUVhkcZbUw/s3225/715501879_122300693666220164_5006352418510901077_n_x2.png
https://scontent-sin11-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/715501879_122300693666220164_5006352418510901077_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_tt6&cstp=mx1080x1613&ctp=s1080x1613&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=PFsvDmbnnIAQ7kNvwETD_Gg&_nc_oc=Adqzk9yMT26P-jcWDAQWy4WxZErEzLkH_atDW8jFCXTxXpv2RkqTJhQv1sR2J2aN4tY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sin11-1.xx&_nc_gid=YV3Jn_4SnvKfXZcn2TrIBA&_nc_ss=7b2a8&oh=00_AQKCBCpAhrDI_G9vTwmsWu9O7YGBiG8XlLsInwrT4HTXYA&oe=6AA48431
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122300693660220164&set=a.122118909308220164


Notice that almost all the individuals in the list lived for around 900 years; even Lamech managed 777 years. The one who stands out in the list as having a much shorter lifespan than the rest is Enoch. He lived for only 365 years; a relatively young age compared to the rest.


 Notice that almost all the individuals in the list lived for around 900 years; even Lamech managed 777 years.
PHOTO: Notice that almost all the individuals in the list lived for around 900 years; even Lamech managed 777 years. The one who stands out in the list as having a much shorter lifespan than the rest is Enoch. He lived for only 365 years; a relatively young age compared to the rest.
Picture posted by Evang Bright Ikedichi on Saturday, 11 July 2026 at 08:47 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uhej6Tc_2ABGlONuv2iOaVRnpQKiZIeUGD97VNxUPn0FMtuhQv8yZba9FsuPgXFcY4r523Sa0p51TdHSj4LvcSxWRQDL2qYkjCKzDYAsrLivQOGlewdfi0tM2f0dPs7WSf60W5iXGsM9-ur1PsGrlhlrNRJfhjy76TKB3FmHMeH1I0qV4BCKCdRCEYk/s2304/744440770_1558880302438520_586559771691592987_n_2.png
https://scontent-sin6-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.99422-6/744440770_1558880302438520_586559771691592987_n.png?stp=dst-jpg_tt6&cstp=mx1122x1402&ctp=s1122x1402&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=koHd7DDPjq8Q7kNvwEbtnMY&_nc_oc=AdrL3BPpxdHcXXp6f626_6qnQS6FWOZw8kyZcWGWf12S1AaeViZNJ5P2YuOBt2SNnYw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-sin6-3.xx&_nc_gid=2um3FumG_yMbFQc-5mfBxQ&_nc_ss=7b2a8&oh=00_AQKDoc_LxF4BTJsQc4XIpuB1KCwQzds_qS-p59E03ac0Tg&oe=6AA49ED3
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122147464545130791&set=a.122093695293130791


What is even more intriguing is that Enoch's life did not fit the usual "formula" that measured the others' lives: When A had lived x years, he became the father of B. After that, A lived for y years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether A lived x+y years, and then he died. Moreover, the Bible offers additional information about him, and these two are especially significant:
  • "Enoch walked faithfully with God" - a fact that is mentioned twice, for emphasis (Genesis 5:22, 24);
  • At the end of his life, mysteriously, Enoch "was no more, because God took him away" (Genesis 5:24).

 What is even more intriguing is that Enoch's life did not fit the usual 'formula' that measured the others' lives.
PHOTO: What is even more intriguing is that Enoch's life did not fit the usual "formula" that measured the others' lives.
"Enoch walked faithfully with God" - a fact that is mentioned twice, for emphasis (Genesis 5:22, 24);
At the end of his life, mysteriously, Enoch "was no more, because God took him away" (Genesis 5:24).
The other who was caught up into the clouds was Elijah (2 Kings 2:11). Enoch and Elijah are the only two people that the Bible tells us were taken to Heaven without experiencing death.
Picture posted by Harry Nail on Saturday, 14 February 2026 at 09:57 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMOUUj-qY1xqFwzS48Jc6in1k8_W7sTSfsuBCufXMij6Xg-JmK4eNy61aZNa1NewzqE5oFP9MP7v17P0shsmqRcjjGvDJruTZRTb1-H09vH0AqT2QqZ334RiSqFDRmjmZculaOsI0vIODZjNW-HentuO1-Bf8wOvYXysdRpYxV2DCTolHA_GwGBL304M/s2448/634866069_10232740652044065_1052902454131782134_n_1.png
https://scontent-sin6-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/634866069_10232740652044065_1052902454131782134_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_tt6&cstp=mx1024x1536&ctp=s1024x1536&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aa7b47&_nc_ohc=5vDOQ06rztsQ7kNvwH-gCtW&_nc_oc=AdpGqZZhUnogxIPYBKZ8BXXMc1KSLIaBVjrQ8Sgs51lUvwS1P_e_aY65xskT7a5jR-g&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sin6-3.xx&_nc_gid=UQUA3CgrM40lW5dqxw1fhQ&_nc_ss=7b2a8&oh=00_AQK-YbKF1_QSgirRf0yzSjlg64hYNs1x9QLLqRmEfhXIpQ&oe=6AA478FE
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10232740652004064&set=gm.1351709056847485&idorvanity=145465624138507


This information grates (make a harsh noise) against popular thinking. One would think that if this man stands out as one who walked faithfully with God (a term that speaks about an intimate relationship with God), he ought to be the one with the longest lifespan rather than the shortest. This is the way the world usually calculates success: length of life, extent of wealth, string of degrees, height of position, and size of following. Unfortunately, these measures of success have also crept into the church. Today, we hear about the health and wealth gospel, which, if not openly proclaimed, is often secretly assumed to be true when one goes about doing one's busy acts of piety (devotion to God, religious duties, or a deep sense of duty and respect toward family, parents (known as filial piety)). Many have come to believe that the closer one is to God, the more successful one would be in this world.


 This information grates (make a harsh noise) against popular thinking.
PHOTO: This information grates (make a harsh noise) against popular thinking. One would think that if this man stands out as one who walked faithfully with God (a term that speaks about an intimate relationship with God), he ought to be the one with the longest lifespan rather than the shortest. Many have come to believe that the closer one is to God, the more successful one would be in this world.
Picture posted by Last Days Perilous Times on Saturday, 29 August 2026 at 03:45 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VQpuZfbQfQACOwwFJejYCnQ6th5en5d-YzEs3fhPBCKg2vCpkOVg6mQ6Rk7MH-xhRJ8or7PPqAJQrXisjZW7LrvgI8vdLuFT0QMsnWn8EbAJsd7KzBuq_81lBVtcetWHAowcOGo4LfNtYv2ryddL-5XGzcoDmKGfcva64okwNo03OTzqQnT8NT8_ySw/s2208/785759528_1604044594504317_8061452132388779870_n_ImgUpscaler_x2.png
https://scontent-sin6-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.99422-6/785759528_1604044594504317_8061452132388779870_n.png?stp=dst-jpg_tt6&cstp=mx1122x1402&ctp=s1122x1402&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=i_eWfyz2iJYQ7kNvwFebclL&_nc_oc=AdrmEW9rwnsV7DOYZNZruNuij6gporh8ME1GcOXGi0xy8jqzoKp_0_CHopeBI-TPxCM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-sin6-3.xx&_nc_gid=FQ6KplUJubPgoo5bAk7Fmg&_nc_ss=7b2a8&oh=00_AQKEB6_WnL_6eYR7tG3v-dOOAM8JVB-g7Q4voKaxOSEkZA&oe=6AA48BA7
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1536253798528357&set=a.651477677005978


The story of Enoch tells us that God measures true success in a different way. When asked, "How do you measure the success of your work?", Mother Teresa gave her interviewer a puzzled look. She replied, "I don't remember that the Lord ever spoke of success. He spoke only of faithfulness in love. This is the only success that really counts."²º She reminded her enquirer that God measures the effectiveness of a life not by earthly success, but by the quality of that life in relationship to God.

Elsewhere in the Bible, we find that God also measures a man - a church or nation - according to the plumb lines of justice and righteousness (Isaiah 28:17). God measures us not in terms of the material debris we collect on the way, but by the moral integrity we gain from sticking close to Jesus. He measures us not by how much we have become Christlike. That is to say, we will be assessed by how much we have allowed God to accomplish in our lives.


 The story of Enoch tells us that God measures true success in a different way.
PHOTO: The story of Enoch tells us that God measures true success in a different way. Elsewhere in the Bible, we find that God also measures a man - a church or nation - according to the plumb lines of justice and righteousness (Isaiah 28:17). God measures us not in terms of the material debris we collect on the way, but by the moral integrity we gain from sticking close to Jesus. He measures us not by how much we have become Christlike. That is to say, we will be assessed by how much we have allowed God to accomplish in our lives.
Picture posted by BibleLife Daily on Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 02:24 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu560VXBRir9eGTxLRgRUOaZi2jNDKmNQldP7IlAzELk_x0n-J1yxEVycYGZPnCc3NeijATw7xDb25mIolLvshvKGvCCIlnYis6vhiyaFk3S8aNtQcs_3feQo4k73O0OT-c6tRwxC3kZypo9g2kFdfkRn7DdyVRST9t5gpsN4ztEbI6sHvFLH1RGhzs0/s2448/616438514_1280019280628657_2079911936027903552_n_1.png 
https://scontent-sin11-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/616438514_1280019280628657_2079911936027903552_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_tt6&cstp=mx1024x1536&ctp=s1024x1536&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=p2xVGdbP3uUQ7kNvwFUd5VR&_nc_oc=AdoSkp9GlxfRph_7Hzmfurw9pNLQQBk6iWMarNBnP19cUsYyPPgJeGg__8e1mBiQFrI&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sin11-1.xx&_nc_gid=7dpS3pJPD_vpE46GuEskMw&_nc_ss=7b2a8&oh=00_AQKlvO4Uokxc2aRP5RNs1WrjBnbxqgxXSdY-_GoHcbYCnQ&oe=6AA4ACB1
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1280019277295324&set=pb.100058617909888.-2207520000


Pragmatic worldliness narrows and distorts our vision of what God expects of us. We can cut the cloth of our lives according to the wrong measures. And when the signs of apparent success start to be evident in our lives, we can lull (feel a false sense of safety) ourselves into thinking that we are doing well. But rather than receiving a strong commendation from the Lord, we may find ourselves rudely awakened one day. After all, the Lord Jesus warned Hid hearers that the day will come when many "will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" (Matthew 7:22-23). If we gave used the wrong instruments to measure our lives, all we may have left are shredded pieces.


 Pragmatic worldliness narrows and distorts our vision of what God expects of us.
PHOTO: Pragmatic worldliness narrows and distorts our vision of what God expects of us. We can cut the cloth of our lives according to the wrong measures. And when the signs of apparent success start to be evident in our lives, we can lull (feel a false sense of safety) ourselves into thinking that we are doing well. But rather than receiving a strong commendation from the Lord, we may find ourselves rudely awakened one day. After all, the Lord Jesus warned Hid hearers that the day will come when many "will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" (Matthew 7:22-23). If we gave used the wrong instruments to measure our lives, all we may have left are shredded pieces.
Picture posted by Serenity Sessions on 07 April 2025
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGLUmEzHwriratRPKbE0joV79ipuWo4OxNT-x24CPjdNghYseFWkgerxPY_I0bwkumYHjwNGGUXqlgxrsUUpCTXYPkoJ0rPV_j5J5KUmXBIslUCDDmFMM1OA1J_dqLpaD8RJblA_HLWbzjUDeA-gZJljhX7HTTcSLlzm37Pv-JdN-zW4LhfDxhIeY1cg/s2448/self-worth_ImgUpscaler_Enhanced_1.png
https://serenity-sessions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/self-worth.jpg
https://serenity-sessions.com/measuring-self-worth-internal-vs-external/


How can we avoid these words from being God's final verdict of our lives, "You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting" (Daniel 5:27)? We must familiarise ourselves with the way God measures us and with the instruments He uses. Divine measuring rods and plumb lines measure the inner contours of our souls and the moral foundations of our daily choices and decisions. They measure character and weigh faithfulness. How important it is to know these things and to do something about them before it is too late.


 How can we avoid these words from being God's final verdict of our lives
PHOTO: How can we avoid these words from being God's final verdict of our lives, "You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting" (Daniel 5:27)? We must familiarise ourselves with the way God measures us and with the instruments He uses. Divine measuring rods and plumb lines measure the inner contours of our souls and the moral foundations of our daily choices and decisions. They measure character and weigh faithfulness. How important it is to know these things and to do something about them before it is too late.
Picture posted by Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gdWErWySk0JMfKnN11aiEMs1FcA5hq7b16WZ_Al7GytJ-ElU_8dHvr5mDi881z4WUrZOGvU7cRJdMqaUeaOsZqZnmNnGSVyPTBhwL6s1Ywj_1PhCV1I_ZsNeyLybREtHseqp0EvhnKhhsmJFz4qfpyqITSA0oEGVxkfNVegHVoO2wXtUjgHXVB3qG2Q/s2526/5.-Christian-Worldview-Path-Growth-God-Resurrection_ImgUpscaler_LinoCutEnhanced.png
https://i0.wp.com/uasvbible.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5.-Christian-Worldview-Path-Growth-God-Resurrection.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1
https://uasvbible.org/2026/05/01/human-nature-sin-and-the-need-for-redemption/


How do you measure your own life? Do you use the world's instruments or the "instruments" of God?
In Chapter 6 of "In The Beginning": Tracing The Gospel Story In Genesis, the author looks at Genesis 5 where people lived for hundreds of years. The main point of Question 1 is that how long or how grand your life looks to the world doesn't matter as much as how you walk with God.


 How do you measure your own life?
PHOTO: How do you measure your own life? Do you use the world's instruments or the "instruments" of God?
In Chapter 6 of "In The Beginning": Tracing The Gospel Story In Genesis, the author looks at Genesis 5 where people lived for hundreds of years. The main point of Question 1 is that how long or how grand your life looks to the world doesn't matter as much as how you walk with God.
Picture posted by Magnific
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7WNXyVB7Y_LJWLYWQFg5akcAqS905bLGMi27ztGJMO9Fs6PD9WrwfTH20UIwKGuE5tpI-DuqWYPLo3czrNdoNr_djCTUXdns0unXM_alhOBc7xU6OEfJ_gVqMiLG0hyrdGQTmIUN2FT4h5VuL_bwYJtqzy_lCsQNHDnbR2Ra91DbjOiTJ4TJ5wDfuJg/s1984/man-stands-river-with-flowers-mountain-background_1227606-9077_ImgUpscaler_Enhanced_1.png
https://img.magnific.com/premium-photo/man-stands-river-with-flowers-mountain-background_1227606-9077.jpg
https://www.magnific.com/premium-ai-image/man-stands-river-with-flowers-mountain-background_287103010.htm#fromView=detail&position=3&uuid=bd91899f-5986-400c-ac0d-246848861c92&track=ais_hybrid&from_element=cross_selling__photo


Here is how we can look at measuring life using simple Singapore English:

1. Using the World's Instruments (The "KPI" Method)
In Singapore, we are very used to the world's standard checklist. If you use the world’s ruler to measure your life, you look at:
  • The "5 Cs" / Material Wealth: Judging your value based on your bank account, property, car, or luxury items. 
  • Career and Status: Looking at your job title, promotions, or how many people report to you. 
  • Social Media Likes: Checking how famous or popular you look to other people. 
  • The Problem: In Genesis 5, some men lived for 900+ years and built big cities, but their names are just a footnote because they didn't live for God. The world's instruments only measure temporary success.

 The '5 Cs' / Material Wealth
PHOTO: 1. Using the World's Instruments (The "KPI" Method)
In Singapore, we are very used to the world's standard checklist. If you use the world’s ruler to measure your life, you look at:

The "5 Cs" / Material Wealth: Judging your value based on your bank account, property, car, or luxury items.
Picture posted by Andaline
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigP74BPK7lUDRbC6qBEPXLnGLCXvSJiUyP0Pob5FNBwuyjVSV1150S-WRGK1u964J07jV38qUo4ssHVaw4puuqDh2CpEpWluFmKCCCl_k2aZDPbL66UYBDe40AfZgHTuK_HfIsp9WzWBgRteuZebC35TAw5RzNh0s0zQaOXzmeiGs7O7Ol5cTrjyEDm9M/s2336/d52ece9bf53ba5fb36d62003eb55fe52_PixelcutExtended_ImgUpscaler_Enhanced.png
https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/d5/2e/ce/d52ece9bf53ba5fb36d62003eb55fe52.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/984458799816424319/
 

 Social Media Likes
PHOTO: 1. Using the World's Instruments (The "KPI" Method)
Social Media Likes: Checking how famous or popular you look to other people.

The Problem: In Genesis 5, some men lived for 900+ years and built big cities, but their names are just a footnote because they didn't live for God. The world's instruments only measure temporary success.
Picture posted by Enid Romero
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0msJjWfzvrptt4e3vWDCGFRaUDvz631RibROOy0HKMhZOsxNjr4Cf_o7L1wpzPgnMHhi8w8_uJmuBBl8ASgkBwUjtQd1F8cPCx0tbeS67pbqbVE0jWLT787rHE2RQMNlpm9hNtK_K4srCytIcFFF7fu4gnzb-b1oN1SPBIX_4iR3qFEenzPvRSKrhoGg/s2432/05bfd69c72f0abd4ce070c56c4bd7929_2.png
https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/05/bf/d6/05bfd69c72f0abd4ce070c56c4bd7929.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/993465999072247246/


2. Using God's "Instruments" (The Eternal Method)
God’s measuring tape does not look at your bank balance or your worldly achievements. He looks at the heart:
  • Faithful Obedience: Are you listening to Him and doing what is right, even when no one is watching? 
  • Relationship with Him: Just like Enoch in Genesis 5, the most important metric is whether you "walked faithfully with God". Enoch didn't live the longest, but God took him away because of their close relationship. 
  • Love for Others: True success in God's eyes is measured by how well you love Him and love the people around you.

 God’s measuring tape does not look at your bank balance or your worldly achievements.
PHOTO: 2. Using God's "Instruments" (The Eternal Method)
God’s measuring tape does not look at your bank balance or your worldly achievements. He looks at the heart.
Picture posted by Barbara Wagner-Page - Daily Devotion
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbPsqBrkZvEu-Jw3l9TyMAqn2-iNNrS1BHmuUvoOMbaMJf919mG1-o35TmBWXGt_c9JGWfo0K20WXEzjSkUpnT6g__pxN5KQ68MeRQlGGT8RO586Q0BQPZplM9d1WTdIHxlasMi4TyVvilBWzF5kPV-lnEJ6AJrOPy0Hcs4kkgZ75KoT6SYW0R3G_rkM/s2448/fd7ce32eac7e68c8074ad34351556d87_1.png
https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/fd/7c/e3/fd7ce32eac7e68c8074ad34351556d87.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/116389971615759293/
 

 Relationship with Him
PHOTO: 2. Using God's "Instruments" (The Eternal Method)
Relationship with Him: Just like Enoch in Genesis 5, the most important metric is whether you "walked faithfully with God". Enoch didn't live the longest, but God took him away because of their close relationship. 
Picture posted by Pearl Lvey
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJsNJNoAEie2Rue2XLn2f_FDqixJ7pQ4kid_W-_N4n4-C-1r7fwrst7l3yN5cjifJFMmg_1Axe6UBLYrldWQWlpZeSGO_LVvxH85qWY5Z232YCtvlDned5u9H1vgTdJgZYH8VBE_6Gw-g1ENKNhIf9GLD9xd_3sVk4p2AfXvsmmusADInuilC0WklwpU/s2176/765e9166833aa73e29024b2563b54da6_1.png
https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/76/5e/91/765e9166833aa73e29024b2563b54da6.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/456974693463999685/
Summary Illustration
Think of life like a school report card. The world only grades you on your External Results (money, status, power). But God's report card only has one main subject: Character and Faithfulness. To truly measure your life well, you need to put away the world's calculator and ask yourself: "Am I growing closer to God every day?"

(Answers are provided by Google AI Mode).


 Summary Illustration
PHOTO: Summary Illustration
Think of life like a school report card. The world only grades you on your External Results (money, status, power). But God's report card only has one main subject: Character and Faithfulness. To truly measure your life well, you need to put away the world's calculator and ask yourself: "Am I growing closer to God every day?"
Picture posted by God's Living Waters
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBByvYSFklfSM51zr_8cvAQkt4sYAgqHg5pnhuLc6MDD-Fw_JvUdtbLZc3dXP0JbqL5J6FC_p9ZkkrXJv5ZrV7TaHSRSbpPClLgChss9muNxxJqviqbw2UAXo639fAJJTGiefvCd5neAsp6kqmzes3CftfbpdVQvxZp7l5DNA7OynLK6IHH6-Cd8whjsQ/s4096/5a397870c79e2447498b52e525cd0f67_1.png
https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/5a/39/78/5a397870c79e2447498b52e525cd0f67.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/861735709993372027/
 

 Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, Sometimes I look around me and I feel so much pressure. The world tells me I must have more money, a higher status, and a perfect life to be considered successful. My heart gets anxious when I try to keep up with everyone else's standards.

Lord, please forgive me for the times I used the world’s ruler to measure my value. Remind me that my worth is not found in my achievements, my bank account, or the praise of others.

Teach me to use Your instruments instead. Help me to care more about my heart, my faith, and how I treat the people around me. Like Enoch, I want my life's story to simply be that I walked faithfully with You every single day. Give me the wisdom to seek Your approval above everything else, knowing that a life lived in Your love is the ultimate success.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen."
Picture posted by Iralis Diaz
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillM_IdZWTjw1INSf5TkzWm7frjUcacCAeAjll_RDpxk8q8ZQicUtspCsL5cg2UPugCe4o7nBRo_BDWmzQT9yCLBqITJFMaO9p81SNj3CzXZLxBriw5dzUczVW5Bvd0Nowk0LAfBU3CXlDP4ceG53SzCodaXWJ0PjgHUELer7hXxny8nU5Ik-fpQ0Uxyc/s1152/7317ca59da12ec355185577af3e4c724_1.png
https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/73/17/ca/7317ca59da12ec355185577af3e4c724.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/744853225915432925/

Reflection - Measurement of our life
Source (book): "In The Beginning", Tracing The Gospel Story In Genesis, Chapter 6, "When People Lived for Centuries (Genesis 5)", Question 1, "Measurement of our life", Page 49.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Footnotes
²º Art Beals, Beyond Hunger, quoted in Dwain Neilson Esmond, 24-7-365: One Year in the Word (Hagerstown, MD.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 2008), 186.




"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 
 
"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper
 
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
 
 
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God",  © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach

 Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
 

"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html

 
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-46-90.html



Reference
[1] From "In The Beginning", Tracing The Gospel Story In Genesis, Copyright @ 2009 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 6, "When People Lived for Centuries (Genesis 5)", Question 1, "Measurement of our life", Page 49.

Links


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Daniel 5:27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%205%3A27&version=NIV

Genesis 5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%205&version=NIV

Genesis 5; 9:29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%205%3B%209%3A29&version=NIV

Genesis 5:22, 24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%205%3A22%2C%2024&version=NIV

Genesis 5:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%205%3A24&version=NIV

Isaiah 28:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2028%3A17&version=NIV

Matthew 7:22-23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207%3A22-23&version=NIV

Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV

Psalm 90:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2090%3A10&version=NIV

Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,