When I open my email inbox first thing in the morning, I’m greeted with a random Bible verse. I can’t tell you how routinely one day’s verse imparts the very word of encouragement I need for that particular day. In addition to this, I receive an “inspirational” quote from some notable person that may or may not be religious in nature; though it’s intended to kick-start my day on an uplifting note.
Just this past week, two inspirational quotes surfaced, both of which failed to do what they are purposed to do – they didn’t inspire me at all; in fact, they exasperated me. The first came from the late, great actress, Audrey Hepburn, who echoed what we habitually hear: “The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters.” I strongly suspect she holds a different view now.
The second quote certainly reflects a much deeper level of insight into matters more pressing because of the implied recognition that we all share a common 
problem; a problem that requires no small measure of fixing. The fifth century (give or take a century) monk and sage, Gautama Buddha, frequently posited this: “No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may.” For his sake, one can only hope he’s right (though I don’t believe he is) because it’s a tad too late for a do-over.
The Bible lays out a philosophy to life that runs antithetical to both of these quotes. It would counter Ms. Hepburn’s outlook with something like, “The most important thing is to enjoy God – to be Right in His Sight – this is what ultimately matters.” Then in contradiction to the claim of Buddha, the Bible teaches: “No one can save us but God Alone. No one other than Jesus, and He will, if we let Him.”
