In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus confirms again that only in knowing and loving Him, will we find our purpose:  

“’Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.’” Matthew 10: 37-39

In this passage, Jesus is unequivocally telling his disciples that to live a life of purpose – to understand and embrace the plans that God has for each one of our lives (Jeremiah 29: 11-14) – we must place the pursuit of knowing and following Jesus above all else.

Still today, in our modern and noisy world, Jesus yearns to call each one of us to be His beloved disciple.

It is powerful and humbling to reflect on this. We are living in an era where self-interestedness and selfishness and inconsiderateness seem to be at an all-time high. People everywhere – myself included – seem to be on this never-ending search for the one thing that will make us fulfilled and happy.

What should we do with our lives? How can we make a difference? What will our legacy be?

We run through our days, chasing after things that so often merely exhaust us. The days of chase turn into months, and the months turn into years. And because we are so focused on ourselves, the hole within our hearts only grows larger.

But these words from Jesus ground me. They remind me that JESUS is the ONE THING I seek. His words encourage me to slow down and to turn to Him first, as I plan my days. His Words remind me that this search is not about me. Only Jesus can and will lead me to the God-given purpose for my life that I long for with my whole being.

As I read His words, I understand how much Jesus wants me to walk with Him. His Promise lifts me up because it reveals that the entire reason I am here is to seek Jesus, and to know His Love. It is that simple, and that profound.

He is standing beside me, as I type these words to you. He is standing beside you, as you read these words. His dreams and plans for both of us are so good … so beautiful.

Am I finally willing to lay down my own plans and to accept His greater plans for my life?

The choice is mine to make.

The choice is yours to make.

Jesus loves us so much.

A simple prayer for us:

Dear Holy Spirit, please work within our hearts, so that Jesus remains the sole object of our desires. Please reside within our minds, filling us in particular with greater patience and humility. Please call us to sit quietly with Jesus every day and to open our souls fully to the love and dreams He yearns to share with us. Please lead us to Jesus, Holy Spirit.