Faith has a way of reminding us that sometimes the simplest messages carry the greatest meaning. Several years ago, I came across a little meme called The Number One. I don’t remember where I found it, but its message stayed with me. It offered a straightforward way of looking at some of life’s most important questions.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized how much wisdom could be found in those few simple statements. We live in a world filled with different opinions, backgrounds, beliefs, and ways of life. And that’s exactly how it should be! Can you imagine how boring this world would be if everyone thought alike, looked alike, and acted alike?

I believe we were created as individuals for a reason. And that brings me to the five messages that inspired this article.

The Number ONE Creator — GOD

I believe in God, and I believe He created us in His likeness, not His sameness. Think about that for a moment. We are all different. We have different personalities, talents, abilities, and opinions. Yet each of us has a purpose and a place in this world.

I believe God is loving, patient, and forgiving. I also believe He expects us to be responsible for our actions and how we treat one another. You don’t have to agree with everything I believe. That’s part of being an individual.

We can disagree without being disagreeable. Wouldn’t the world be a much nicer place if we remembered that?

The Number ONE Race — HUMAN

This has always been one of my favorite parts of the message.We are all members of the human race. Our skin colors, cultures, nationalities, and traditions may be different, but underneath those differences, we share the same basic human needs.

We want to be loved. We want our families to be safe. We want opportunities to build good lives. And we want to be treated with dignity and respect. I believe God created our differences intentionally. What a dull world it would be without them!

To me, being a good person means caring for my family, respecting my neighbors, and offering a helping hand when someone needs one. Kindness doesn’t require us to agree on everything. It simply requires us to recognize the humanity in one another.

The Number ONE Blood — RED

No matter the color of our skin, the blood flowing through our veins is red. Isn’t that a wonderful reminder of what we have in common? Blood is essential to life. Without it, none of us could survive.

I’ve always thought it interesting how powerful the color red can be. Traffic lights use red to tell us to stop. Stop signs demand our attention. Perhaps we could all use a little reminder to STOP occasionally.

Stop judging people by appearances. Stop assuming we know what is in another person’s heart. Stop long enough to remember that our differences don’t make one person more valuable than another. We are all human, and every life matters.

The Number ONE Problem — SIN

Now, here’s where things get a little more personal. When I was young and attending Bible school, I learned a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my life: “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”

I’ve thought about those words many times over the years. None of us is perfect. We all make mistakes. We all say or do things we later wish we hadn’t. And sometimes we are awfully quick to recognize someone else’s shortcomings while overlooking our own!

I believe God gave us the Ten Commandments to help guide our lives. They remind us of our responsibilities to Him and to one another. But I also believe we need compassion, humility, and forgiveness. It isn’t my place to decide what is in another person’s heart. I have enough responsibility taking care of my own!

The Number ONE Solution — JESUS CHRIST

For me, the answer to life’s greatest questions begins with faith. One of the first Bible verses many of us learned as children was John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

That verse has always represented the heart of my Christian faith. God’s love, His forgiveness, and the promise of everlasting life through Jesus Christ give me comfort and hope.

Life isn’t always easy. We experience disappointments, losses, disagreements, and struggles. Sometimes we don’t understand why things happen the way they do. But faith gives me something to hold on to when life becomes difficult.

I don’t expect everyone to believe exactly as I do. I simply want to share what has given my life meaning and perhaps encourage someone else to think about what gives their life meaning, too.

What Is Your Number One?

As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the simpler things in life. Family. Friendship. Kindness. Good health. Peace of mind. And the blessings we sometimes forget to recognize.

I believe we can stand firm in our convictions while still treating others with respect. We can disagree without becoming enemies. We can be proud of who we are without looking down on someone who is different. And we can remember that every day gives us another opportunity to do something good.

For me, God remains Number One. My faith is the foundation of my life, and Jesus Christ is the source of my hope.

There’s a little reminder I particularly love: Without Christ, I am nothing.

And that’s why I continue to count my blessings, thank the ONE who made them possible, and try to live each day with gratitude. After all, isn’t that part of what Living the Good Life is all about?

Now I’d love to hear from you. What is the Number One guiding principle in your life?

With faith and gratitude,

Irene — Living the Good Life