Living Life In First Class by Andria S. Hudson
Truthfully, the term "first class” have several meanings but I’ll like to focus on three key definitions. First-class is defined as the highest or best quality. When I grocery shop, I am a stickler for selecting the best cuts of meat and poultry. [Whatever the animal eats, I eat as well.] Someone could challenge me and say, “it’s all the same beef no matter the costs!” Unfortunately, that statement is incorrect. Some animals are grass fed compared to grain fed which results in fewer calories and low in fatty acids. This would be considered the best of quality in meat. Secondly, first class is defined as the best equipped and most expensive. Bentley Motors is the world’s most sought-after luxury car averaging in price at $177,000. One would say that the price of a Bentley is the price of a one-bedroom condominium in a certain town or college tuition at a university and both would be correct. So why purchase a luxury car for that amount of money? Besides being one of the most expensive cars, a Bentley is also one of the best-built cars. Lastly, first class is defined as a set of people or things grouped together as the best such as the first string for a sporting team.
I love all things luxurious- experiences, events, etc… However, I have realized none of those material things matter if I don’t have a first-class mindset. I can have 10 luxury cars, 50 luxury vacation homes, and live in mental bondage of anxiety, fear, and intimidation every day without anyone knowing it. Unfortunately, that has been the case with our world and its view of success and luxury. We have trained our minds to believe that success and luxury are material things and status while neglecting the most invaluable virtues like the peace of mind and spirit. There is a scripture in the Bible that states what does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul. How tragically true!
You and I were created to live a life of the highest and best quality. We were created to be the best equipped. We were created to live a life of luxury. First-class is not about materialistic gain but it’s about the highest quality of peace and joy that produces a first-class lifestyle.
Your life is a sum total of your thinking. Where you are academically is because of a thought. Where you are relationally is because of a thought. Your current physical weight is because of thoughts (or more!). Your life literally follows your mind. Therefore your thinking should be first-class; not just thinking thoughts of money and status but thinking thoughts of peace and satisfaction. Thoughts of tranquility. Thoughts of creativity. Thoughts of empowerment. Thoughts of kindness. The richest woman or man in the world is one who possesses peace. The older I become the more guarded I am of my peace. I’ve realized that it’s such a precious commodity that can not be sold or forfeited. Flying in a private jet is nice but not nearly as nice as having peace every day of your life. Attending a luxurious spa on the ocean is fascinating but it doesn’t compare to having peace even when challenges are around you. In fact, there is nothing wrong with having or experiencing first class in the material realms but do not expect those things to give you peace. Living life in first class should indicate that I am content and at peace with who I am (identity) and where I am going (destiny). “Set peace in your mind as your highest goal, and organize your life around it.” (Brian Tracy)
Great blog. I am moving towards first class in standing in my identity and progressing in my destiny. Part of walking in peace and holding it for me is love. Loving past insults, flaws and offenses of others, accepting me. Making efforts to branch out into the new. New food choices. New shoes. New outlook. A new plant. A new season. First class here I come. Well done.
ReplyDelete