Living Is Not Enough—Have Something
to Live for.
By John Van Auken

We do not do well when all we do is live. We do best when we have something to live for. Staying alive is not enough; staying alive for a purpose draws up a well of life energy within us and gives us a reason to keep on keeping on with as much vitality as we can muster. Obstacles mean little to one who is filled with purpose. Where there is a will, there is a way.

Edgar Cayce taught this over and over. Here are two of his readings on this matter:

"…being good as is seen from the gain, and not that of service. This the entity should alter within self, being not only good, but good for something. Lose self rather in the service of others, and find that in whatsoever state the entity finds self, in that be content; not satisfied, knowing that, that which is builded in self—whether of the material or of the mental forces—must be guided by that as is universal in its aspect, would it be the lasting or that sure foundation that will build for a life worth living." ( Edgar Cayce Reading 1726-1)

"Make the experiences of the life not only good but good for something, and we will find it will make the rest of the years of the entity's experience in the earth much more worthwhile. … There are abilities, there are urges latent and manifested, but first in self, find your own ideal: spiritually, mentally, physically. Then study to show yourself approved; that is, act like you knew what it's all about. For life is earnest; life is an opportunity to show the appreciation to the divine within, with the divine in your fellow man, and if you act in that manner much more joy, much more worth while will be the earthly experience of this entity." (Edgar Cayce Reading 5294-1)

I have personally felt the difference in my energy and my sense of purpose between those times when I'm just looking to live, to be comfortable, to be free, and those times when I feel a purpose, a calling, a role, a need that takes me into the lives of others and their needs. It can be as simple as continuing to help my grown children in the struggles of life. Or helping my grandchildren when their parents are tired or busy. Or, it can be as complex as being a part of a group of souls attempting to help other souls, or the community, or some service project that makes life better for others. I feel much more alive when up and doing for a purpose, than when seeking my leisure and letting the others find their way on their own.

Cayce again:

"Each soul would find development for itself to become a better channel, a better servant of the Lord. As to how each may better accomplish this in the experience, it is the development and the unfoldment of a practical, a manifested, an exemplified life in the service of the Master. And, as He has given, 'A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another.' " (Edgar Cayce Reading 473-1)

Being a loving channel of God's love to others is a great service, a purposeful life to live. And there are so many whose lives would be better if they only felt a little love around them. Notice also how Cayce said the better channel of the Lord's love is practical. Often we find others need some practical help; and as channels of the Lord's power and ability, we may be that practical help for them. But we have to be involved in people's lives and challenges. And that requires budgeting time to communicate, coordinate, and engage with others. Which often takes us away from our TVs and entertainment and peaceful private time (which of course we do need at times).

Making time to commune with God and then with others helps us develop into better channels of the Lord's love in practical ways. And it gives us a much more worthwhile life to live—energizing us with the spirit of purposefulness and service to God's 'sheep and lambs.'

Living is not enough; we need to have something to live for. What greater purpose to live for than being a channel of God's love. This should add much purpose and meaning to our daily lives.

John Van Auken, a director at the Association for Research and Enlightenment, is an acknowledged expert on the Cayce readings, the Bible, ancient prophecies, world religions, meditation, and ancient Egypt. John conducts seminars in the U.S. and abroad, and is a tour guide to the many sacred sites around the world with A.R.E. Travel. He is the author of numerous books, including Edgar Cayce and the Kabbalah, Ancient Egyptian Mysticism and From Karma to Grace. He will be presenting at several upcoming Virginia Beach Conferences including the Annual Ancient Mysteries Conference: Searching for the Ancient Records: Closer Than Ever Before from October 6-9 featuring Dr. Hawass.