What do you live for?

In our “all about me” culture, it’s easy to get caught up in living for comfort, recognition, satisfaction, and success. After all, these experiences generally make us feel good and give us confidence in the here and now.

No one sets out in life to be uncomfortable, ignored, dissatisfied, or hurt. But quite often, it’s during the painful experiences of life, we look toward the Lord and come face to face with the one person who puts our priorities into perspective and truly gives us something to live for.

Comfort is temporary. One day you’re satisfied and the next day you’re not. Someone hurts your feelings or you lose something of value, and all-of-a-sudden you are no longer happy. You dislike your job, you’re dissatisfied with your living conditions, or you’re ready to give up on the one person you’ve always counted on.  Life can be a rollercoaster of emotions — if we make it all about our enjoyment and comfort.

Do you ever stop to think about how fruitless our efforts are when we put our hope and happiness in people, places, and things that aren’t truly consistent or reliable? Circumstances that are apt to change in the blink of an eye? In contrast — do you recognize and appreciate the dependability of your savior Jesus Christ and the eternally faithful relationship He offers you?

Jesus will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), He is the ultimate source of our hope and healing (Exodus 15:26; Romans 15:13), and His will for our lives makes our paths straight and brings us everlasting joy — if we will only trust and follow Him (Psalm 16:11; Proverbs 3:5-6). Do you accept the fact that, while the world around you is constantly changing, — there’s only one person, place, or thing that always remains the same?

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

God is faithful and true — He never changes. He doesn’t come into our lives to offer us forgiveness for our sins just to provide us an eternal place to live. God sent His one and only son into the world to completely set us free. Freedom to live eternally with Him and freedom here on earth — here and now. Freedom from our obsession with temporary wants, wishes, and desires. Freedom from unending shame, self-condemnation, and guilt. Freedom from anxiety, stress, and depression. Freedom to embrace true joy in this life and forever more.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

So, how do we fully embrace this freedom and experience the abundant life God offers?

1. By taking captive our thoughts to the obedience of Christ through prayer and regular Bible study (2 Corinthians 10:5).
2. By guarding our hearts with all diligence and placing our personal relationship with Christ above all others (Proverbs 4:23).
3. By trusting God with our decisions, our directions, and our futures (Proverbs 3:5-6).
4. By surrendering our will over to God’s will (Matthew 6:33). After all, God knows and desires what’s best for us.

So whose agenda are you most concerned about — yours or the Lord’s? Whose life plan do you believe will ultimately bring you true purpose, unspeakable joy, and lasting peace? What do you sincerely live for?