Other times, we will seek confirmation about vital life choices. We might want to know if it’s time to take the next step in a relationship, a career choice, or another critical juncture (1 Peter 1:13). But sometimes, the only way to determine whether things will work out is to keep moving forward one action at a time (James 1:22). It is better to take incremental steps toward a greater goal than to rush into something prematurely and unprepared (Proverbs 16:9).

Are you unsure if God is giving you the green light to get married? Keep dating and pray for clarity. Do you need help to decide whether to transition from your current job to another employer? Keep working and pray for God to open and close doors that pertain to employment as He sees fit (Proverbs 3:5-6). Is it plausible that God wants to teach you something where you are right now and wants you to be patient (Romans 8:24-25)? Pray for wisdom to determine if you’re missing out on a lesson or if it’s time to make a more substantial adjustment (James 1:5-8). So, ultimately, we aim to balance aligning our desires with God’s timing and continue preparing for the future (Ecclesiastes 3:17).

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” – Corrie ten Boom

Look back a year, several years, or even a decade. Hasn’t God always been faithful to help you overcome every obstacle? He has a perfect track record (Romans 5:5). Why would you start doubting Him now? When you look back, do you see that there’s been significant progress in your life? Sometimes, it may be a slow progression from our perspective, but in God’s eyes, it’s the perfect timeline. We don’t have to measure our success based on the speed at which others operate. There will be people who may appear to have an advantage over us in several areas of life, but often, they may even feel the same way about us. Even if we counted all of it as a loss, it would be worth it if it were necessary to gain Jesus Christ in return (Philippians 3:8).

In any case, we don’t know what they sacrificed to get where they are. So, instead of staring at greener grass on their side of the fence, we should applaud the success of our peers and keep an eye on our lawn care instead. Their blessings don’t interfere with God’s timing for our blessings (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). The mistake lies in spending too much time and effort focusing on their gains rather than our victory in Jesus Christ (Psalm 118:14).

Instead of spending excessive time on social media or daydreaming about those around us, we should be investing in God’s will for us. We should concentrate on the things above and navigate life with an eternal mindset (Colossians 3:2). There’s no superior way to conduct our lives than doing everything for God’s glory and our ultimate good. If we love God and He calls us according to His purpose, we know that God guarantees this outcome for eternity (Romans 8:28). Does that always pan out how we want to in this life? No, but that’s where our faith comes in. A faith that in and of itself is a gift from God to us (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

We cannot find fulfillment in the things of this world (1 John 2:17). Only in God and a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, can we find our anchor of hope (Hebrews 6:19-20). He is the sole source able to complete the gigantic, missing puzzle piece in our hearts (Psalm 107:9). Without Him, we have nothing and cannot produce anything of eternal value (John 15:5). With Him, we have everything, including the blessing of sharing eternity in heaven with Him forever (1 John 2:24-25)! If we try to find personal satisfaction in the limited things here on earth, we will always come up short (Ecclesiastes 1:14). 

Nothing can appease us in the long term without God being at the center (Psalm 16:11). Apart from God, people feed the insatiable appetites of their flesh, and unmet expectations abound. A man or woman of God knows they cannot find lasting joy, satisfaction, contentment, or blessings in this world apart from God (1 John 2:16). We cannot even discover it in the good things when we idolize them over God who provides every good and perfect gift in its time (James 1:17). Sometimes, God may not offer specific opportunities until we’re ready to handle them and steward them graciously. Otherwise, we may get lost in the blessing and lose sight of the bigger picture found in His plan (2 Peter 3:9).

We must be open to the idea that since God gives us everything, He also has the authority to take away anything at any time He pleases (Psalm 24:1; Job 1:21). However, we know His character is unchanging, and His promises are irrevocable (Hebrews 13:8). For instance, God is not taking away that eternal gift of fellowship He gave you through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Romans 6:23). You don’t have to worry about losing your salvation if you have found it in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). But it would be tragic if that promise led you to backslide or compromise your faith at every turn (Romans 6:1-2). Instead, it should inspire us to do good works that glorify Him (Ephesians 2:10). We must cling tightly to God’s promises and understand that some are conditioned based on our obedience. We must also distinguish between principles and promises to avoid confusion, but that is beyond the scope of today’s article.

May God equip all of us to seek Him above all else. May we walk in the victory Jesus Christ already won. Jesus Christ is our forerunner in the faith. He fully understands the gravity of what we go through regarding every aspect of humanity, including our trials and temptations (Hebrews 6:19-20). He alone can empathize with us on the deepest level and comfort us in times of need. The One who bottles our tears and counts the hairs on our heads will not abandon or forsake us (Psalm 56:8-11; Luke 12:7; Hebrews 13:5). He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. May we bring God glory in all our endeavors and submit to His will by aligning our desires with His (1 Corinthians 10:31).

For those times that we have fallen short, we must quickly seek God to confess our sins, ask for forgiveness, repent, and ask Him to cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). We can move forward with a clean slate when we do things God’s way. Instead of carrying around the burden of our past trespasses, we can walk in confidence that God does not hold condemnation against us (Romans 8:1). We may approach His throne boldly and recognize that by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, His Son, we have been counted righteous in His sight (Hebrews 4:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).

A key component of ensuring we keep God first revolves around avoiding idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14). Idolatry can be deceptive because good things can become idols if we fail to approach them as God designed them. God blesses us with the chance to form deep connections with others that could potentially lead to marriage. However, we are not exercising wisdom if we prioritize these relationships over our devotion to God. Sex is also a blessing from God, but if we have it outside of His design in marriage, it is a sin and carries consequences with it (Hebrews 13:4). Thank God forgiveness is available to those of us who have fallen short in such areas. Still, our responsibility is to battle them and repent. These two blessings go hand-in-hand with God’s intentions for creation, and God designed them for us to enjoy in their proper place (Mark 10:7-8). The problem arises when we do not follow God’s guidance with the gifts He has given us.

When we think we are standing in victory from a disposition of self-righteousness and pride, we are also terribly mistaken (1 Corinthians 10:12). We all have different strengths and weaknesses. It would be imprudent of me to judge someone harshly because they struggle with a sin I find easy to abstain from. In our hearts, we must remember that there is always room for improvement in at least one if not many, areas of weakness. We should let that reality lead us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought and esteem others more highly than ourselves whenever possible (Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:3). If not, our pride and self-righteousness may become serious precursors to significant falls (Proverbs 16:18-19).

Sometimes, even though we feel we are in good standing with God, we must ask God to examine and help us align our heart’s desires with His will (Proverbs 3:5-6). We may have a problem that may be hard to detect due to being desensitized to the gravity of the situation. Perhaps it stems from ignorance, habitual sin, or the long-term underestimation of a foothold that became a prominent issue or a stronghold. Thankfully, God can help us take thoughts captive and empower us to demolish strongholds we may have mistakenly allowed our adversary to develop (2 Corinthians 10:4-6). A combination of humility, self-awareness, and prayer can be the antidote we need to resolve these issues immediately. The sooner we cut a small sin off at its root, the better off we will be long-term, for it will not have the chance to grow (Matthew 5:29-30).

It is vital to pursue the well-being of our loved ones and help them when they are willing to consider our advice. Sometimes we can offer the truth in love to a fellow brother or sister in Christ (Ephesians 4:14-15). It can bring temporary discomfort or, in extreme cases, potentially cost us that relationship altogether. But they may need to hear what we say, which could become an eternal blessing (Galatians 6:1-3).

I only advocate that we do this with careful consideration of factors such as our proximity to them relationally, the timing of relevant circumstances, and their willingness to heed our advice in prior instances. Sometimes we must be willing to risk a friendship to offer them the direction they might not realize they desperately need. There are enough people out there that are willing to tell you what you desire to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Good friends occasionally offer advice that challenges and steers us to consider our decision-making.

When you give this kind of advice, it is wise to pray beforehand and ensure it is with good intentions. Speak the truth with love and offer it gracefully in proportion to the topic’s sensitivity. Transparency with your difficulty in a similar area may help them understand they are not alone in their struggle (Matthew 7:1-5). They may not appreciate it now but will be grateful in the long run. If you receive such constructive criticism or judgment, try to exercise self-control and discernment (James 1:19-20). It may be difficult not to get defensive, but ask yourself if the person has your best interests at heart and is qualified to offer advice about the topic. You should take their advice with a grain of salt when one of these requirements is lacking. Seek God’s guidance above all in prayer to find confirmation before you make any sudden decisions.

Ultimately, we all need each other and God above all others. Do not hesitate to act if you are confident God is leading you to do so. But remember that God often aligns us with His will and speaks to us through the loved ones He surrounds us with. Keep in mind that God will never contradict His Word. Seek and obey Him above all others, but try to maintain the humility to recognize when you are given quality advice from someone perhaps older, wiser, or otherwise more experienced than you in certain areas. Their words may not be as gracious as you desire, but if acting on them would save you from a world of pain, they are crucial to consider.

Communities represent a group of people that have shared locations or common goals. All of us are hard-wired to foster these connections. God created us with an innate desire for social interaction (Genesis 2:18). The truth is no one is an island. Sooner or later, we all need to lean on our tribe. Investing in those people is essential for improving the community and ourselves. How can we otherwise receive and share God’s love (John 13:34-35)? 

Finding the proper balance of sowing and reaping is essential (Galatians 6:7-9). If all we do is give of our time, energy, and efforts, we eventually face burnout. No one can sustain that without finding nourishment in God and His people (Matthew 4:4). If all we do is receive from others, we will not discover the joy and satisfaction of sharing our gifts, talents, and resources (Acts 20:35). Your local Church is ideal for meeting with like-minded believers and experiencing this beautiful dynamic first-hand.

In God’s eyes, you bring something significant to the table. Share it with the world!

God designed us with unique gifts and talents (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). We all bring something to the table that God wants us to use to glorify Him (1 Corinthians 10:31). When we love, serve, and edify one another, we empower each other to do God’s work more effectively (1 Thessalonians 5:11; John 13:34-35). Doing this also positions us better to help those beyond our Church. 

For example, a Bible study group at Church may encourage us to reach out to a non-believer and share God’s Word (Mark 16:15). Alternatively, we may feel compelled by other believers to participate in a volunteer opportunity that feeds, clothes, and shelters, or provides supplies for the less fortunate (Matthew 25:40). Even if you were motivated to work on this task alone, it would be challenging to be as efficient or effective as a team unified to accomplish the same goal.

Our sanctification blossoms when fellowship opportunities abound!

Serving each other allows us to grow in Christ-likeness. We might acquire Biblical insight alone, but what good does it do if we don’t put it in motion? What good does it serve to capture knowledge without exercising the wisdom it should inspire? The Church opens the door for us to do so in various ways.

For instance, we might offer a loved one a listening ear and empathy for them to come to a sound conclusion (Proverbs 19:20-21). We can provide counsel that speaks to a situation they are going through (Proverbs 11:14). Your friend may be struggling with a challenge in their spiritual journey, relationship, career, or another area of life and could use your support in making a well-informed decision. Since we are outside the problem, our objective perspective often offers a worthwhile outlook. Having been on both sides of this equation, I can attest to the immense benefits of forming alliances with our Church family.

Encouraging forgiveness among church members is likewise crucial (Matthew 18:21-22). Churches must promote this value to strengthen relationships and foster community. The reality is our human nature leads even the best of us to fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). No matter what congregation you visit. You will encounter imperfect people. Eventually, someone will let you down, and it is likely only a matter of time before you do the same. We can honor God by forgiving others as He forgives us (Matthew 6:14-15).

The self-awareness of knowing our flaws should provide ample motivation to forgive others. Sometimes it may be challenging and take a substantial amount of time to pardon an offense. But we should streamline this process because harboring unforgiveness, resentment, bitterness, or anger serves no one. An attitude like this hinders our progress and derails us from moving forward in peace (Romans 12:18).

In severe cases, it’s possible that forgiving someone is what God wants for you, but that doesn’t imply you should expose yourself to the same kind of hurt again. However, we should avoid cutting ties prematurely. All of us are susceptible to wronging others. One day it will be our turn to request a similar pardon for our mistakes. If God has forgiven the unforgivable in us, we need to demonstrate our love and patience in forgiving others (1 Peter 4:8, Mark 11:25).

Our success depends on mutual reliance.

Recognizing our weaknesses and exercising humility is essential to navigating life in God’s way (1 Peter 1:24-25). It is a difficult task for those who have yet to experience life’s most tremendous hardships. They might find themselves oblivious to our frailty until they must endure it first-hand. However, acknowledging that we need each other provides an antidote to our pride (James 4:6; Ecclesiastes 4:10). How else would we understand true resilience comes from God’s providence rather than human effort (Joshua 1:9)?

Understanding human fragility provides a compelling reason to comfort those undergoing extraordinary challenges. It also puts us in a position to accept prayer, help, and other support when needed. Whether God offers us support by supernatural means or through our community is His call. Either way, we should keep sight of the fact that He is sovereign, and we must submit to His will (Ephesians 1:11; Romans 12:2).

There is beauty in helping without keeping score.

We should refrain from offering our help with the expectation of anything in return. Exercising generosity for human recognition may detract from the eternal significance of what we do (Matthew 6:1-2). Avoiding expectation also absolves us from keeping tabs and developing a form of social obligation. Instead, we can offer support when it is within our power without further expectation (Luke 6:35-36). Trust God to surround you with help when you need it most (Psalm 46:1). Rest assured that God is more than capable of resolving all your problems (Psalm 50:14-15). Finally, we must be patient in our endurance (Hebrews 10:35-37).

There is no need to worry that He will not provide for your essentials when He even assures us the birds of the air get fed (Matthew 6:26-27). How much more will He help you? Remember, God created us in His image (Genesis 1:27)! Human beings are the crown jewel of His creation. So take comfort that you matter to God more than you can comprehend. Without Him, we cannot accomplish anything of eternal significance, but with Jesus Christ, we are more than conquerors ( John 15:55; Romans 8:31-37).

Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV).

There are times when I actively pursue God with outstanding zeal and other seasons when I find my attention divided (Luke 10:38-42). Sometimes it is rooted in mistakenly erecting idols or spreading ourselves too thinly across many areas (1 Corinthians 10:14). We might find ourselves in a state of satisfaction where we immerse ourselves in the things of God but then allow elements of compromise to open the door to complacency. A certain degree of self-awareness helps greatly in cases like this. If we realize that our hearts are not all-in for God’s glory, we can at least acknowledge that change is needed (2 Corinthians 13:5). Otherwise, it is easy to continue to slip away from God. As any seasoned believer will tell you, only bad things can come from that. The last thing we can afford to concede is our intimacy with Jesus Christ (John 15:4-6).

In cases like these, we might also make the mistaken connection of thinking that our standing with God might improve based on our performance. In terms of salvation, this could not be further from the truth (Ephesians 2:8-9)! Likewise, if we do things for God, they should flow out of gratitude and transformation in our lives (Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:10). In other words, we know that God will not love us anymore or any less based on what we do. We cannot earn God’s grace (unmerited favor). By definition, it is something we do not deserve in the first place. Suffice it to say that we are inspired to do good works as a result of being believers, not to become saved or maintain our faith and relationship with Jesus Christ (Galatians 5:22-23).

Our world sidetracks us with many distractions that detract from our focus on eternity. We must remind ourselves and other loved ones that such endeavors may not effectively redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16-21). At times we tend to concentrate on the circumstances this world puts us in with greater attention than that which we extend toward God. Meanwhile, we should recognize God’s sovereignty and find our ultimate source of comfort, satisfaction, solutions, and rest in Him (Psalm 16:11). Instead, we tend to resort to our efforts to solve problems that often only serve to stress us out or instill worry in us concerning matters outside our control (Matthew 6:34). Furthermore, many of these issues that we blow out of proportion eventually prove less of a threat to our lives than we thought they would be.

Of course, I am not advocating that we settle into a pattern of passivity and fail to address the outstanding issues we must face. On the contrary, God wants us to be faithful and fearlessly seek His will in good and bad times. The key is to remember that God and His numerous provisions are available to us as we face these battles (2 Peter 1:3). Rather than attempting to handle something alone, we can follow God’s will and seek counsel from others who can offer wisdom on navigating the situation (Proverbs 11:14). Likewise, instead of worrying about our circumstances, we can pray to God and surrender our requests, concerns, and anxieties at His feet (1 Peter 5:7). Finally, we may need to exercise humility if personally stressed or on the verge of burnout. Sharing that information with our loved ones who God has surrounded us with and seeking His help and peace is crucial (Galatians 6:9-10).

Another issue that pops up on an alarming basis is the perception that one has tasted enough of God’s presence (Ecclesiastes 8:3). For instance, we may live in a toxic work environment or face countless worldly situations from one Sunday to the next. We might think that as long as we replenish ourselves with God’s Word for that Sunday service, we can handle a whole week without continuing to pursue God. Then we are caught off guard when we do not feel God’s presence as intimately and lack spiritual nourishment (Psalm 46:10). We need to recognize that a brief sermon is not sufficient to cope with the weight of this world across the span of a week.

As such, we must consider options such as surrounding ourselves with Christian fellowship, personal Bible study, involvement in a Church small group, and maintaining an active prayer life (Hebrews 10:25, 1 Chronicles 6:11). I am not saying all these things are necessary simultaneously. Still, in a general sense, they serve to edify you and those around you in extraordinary ways over time (1 Thessalonians 5:11-13). They also open the door for you to share your insight with other believers and allow you to serve God in the process.

One of the key takeaways from all this is to recall that it isn’t likely that we remain stationary in our walk with Jesus Christ. Instead, we walk toward Him or away from Him with every decision we make (Joshua 24:15). While we cannot lose our salvation through patterns of continuous, unrepentant sin, it should concern us if we are not observing sanctification in our lives overall (1 Thessalonians 4:3). It follows that our intimacy with Jesus Christ should be prioritized and could suffer if we fail to neglect such concerns. We must avoid compromise at all costs and draw nearer to God at every opportunity (Isaiah 55:6). Every decision tends to lead us closer or further away from God. We should set our sights on the significance of eternity in Heaven with Jesus Christ and recall how brief our life is by comparison (Psalm 144:4, James 4:14). As such, let us seek God and His will by actively pursuing a relationship with our Lord and Savior. After all, it is only in, with, and through Jesus Christ that we successfully do anything of eternal value.

There may have come times in our past when an individual or group of people wronged us, and it had a substantial negative impact. Under these circumstances, we must forgive them. God has graciously and mercifully forgiven us countless times (Matthew 6:14-15). Who are we not to extend that same courtesy to other people? God calls us even to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). There is no room for grudges, unforgiveness, and bitterness in the life of a believer. Life is far too short for us not to move on from these events. Of course, there may be circumstances where the grievance might frankly be unforgettable. We may even be prudent in ensuring that we do not put ourselves in a position to be taken advantage of again the same way. I think that this protocol would not be mutually exclusive to forgiveness. In other words, we can both forgive someone and avoid allowing them an opportunity to hurt us again. When we face these kinds of issues, we need to exercise discernment. Furthermore, we would be wise to ask God to enlighten us in prayer to figure out how to handle each situation one at a time (James 1:5).

A lot of us tend to steer away from any semblance of conflict. When it does not seem necessary, I tend to do the same. However, it takes confrontation to move beyond an issue in many instances. Maybe we have someone we need to reach to clear the air or set the record straight. Even if we decide this is the right course of action, it will suit us well to tame our temper. For instance, we can make sure we are not emotionally charged and try our best to empathize with their perspective before we engage them. The last thing we want to do is compound the problem with a new argument and cause more problems because we failed to exercise self-control in a critical moment. While this approach may not address the issue exactly when we face it, we are not sweeping it under the rug either. The last thing we want to do is bury our problems, arguments, and conflicts one at a time until, one day, things get out of hand. In this sense, I think there is merit to facing each challenge as it comes rather than allowing the accumulation of more minor problems to become a bigger one. Otherwise, petty issues that we failed to address in the past can potentially catch us with an unpleasant surprise in the future (Ephesians 4:26-31).

Another aspect of this we often face as believers has to do with our past sins. Instead of carrying that weight around with us, we should remind ourselves of God’s forgiveness. If God forgives us, who are we not to forgive ourselves for our shortcomings? If you still face the residual guilt of a sin God forgave a long time ago, you are doing yourself a disservice and carrying around an unnecessary burden (Psalm 55:22). If we already surrendered that at the foot of the cross, it has no business in our lives. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). There is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus who walk according to the Spirit instead of the flesh (Romans 8:1). Take solace in God’s Word in times of trouble and submit your past along with its problems to Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:7). None of us is perfect. We have all fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). God’s grace should not serve as a license to continue sinning, but we can trust that His grace, mercy, and love meet us amid our shortcomings when we need them most (Romans 6:1-4).

Do not give the adversary a foothold in your life. If you feel the temptation to rush into sin or make a hasty decision, it is not from God. God provides us with ways of escape from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). You are not alone in the battles you face. Whether seen or unseen, make sure you rely on God rather than your willpower to persevere. Our human will is limited and will eventually fail us (Proverbs 3:5-6). This reality makes it essential to rely on God to provide us the strength, wisdom, and discretion among His numerous other provisions. Some other examples include His full armor, prayer, and worship. These blessings empower us to cling to Him and experience victory by His power in times of distress. After all, apart from Jesus Christ operating in, with, and through us, we could never accomplish anything of eternal value. But with Him, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37), and God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). May He always receive all the glory for the victories we experience (1 Chronicles 29:11).

If we stand firm and resist temptation instead, it is only a matter of time before we experience the relief of not having yielded to what we know is so harmful (James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:9). We should never compromise our standing with God for the sake of a few minutes of perceived pleasure in any sin. When we avoid sin, we can rest assured that we are abiding in God and relying on Him for the strength to persevere over our iniquity (John 15:1-8). Unfortunately, you and I have a limited amount of willpower. There is only so much self-control we can exert by ourselves. We compromise once it runs out, especially when our weaknesses trigger us. Some potential stumbling blocks include hunger, tiredness, frustration, loneliness, sadness, or other negative states of mind and emotions that could suddenly cause us to give way to our sinful nature (Galatians 5:17). 

However, when we rely on God, He provides us with all the tools we need to crucify our flesh and abstain from sin (Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:13). While this sacrifice may seem extremely hard to make at times, it will be an incalculable upgrade compared to the pit of despair and regret that a lost battle brings with it (Romans 6:23). Therefore, we must thank God because even when we fail, His grace and mercy meet us at our lowest points to gently restore us and help us get back on the road to repentance as soon as possible (Hebrews 4:16, 1 John 1:9, 2 Chronicles 30:9).

The fruit of sacrifice is more of a blessing than any of us can quantify when it comes to avoiding sin. Obeying God’s Word will always be superior to giving in to the fool’s gold the devil uses to attempt to allure us. With all that said, there are many other areas where sacrifice can offer eternal rewards in Heaven and temporal ones on earth too. It’s not always easy to commit to serving God with your gifts, talents, time, and resources. But if we believe God at His Word, we know that the eternal impact of honoring Him with these things will always outweigh the measure of sacrifice related to doing so. In other words, our eternal return on investment will be greater than any of us can imagine (Matthew 19:29). We need to take steps towards God’s will in complete faith and surrender to make this a reality. We cannot please God without faith, and often that will be the exact fuel needed to initiate action for the sake of God’s glory (Hebrews 11:6).

Instead of serving ourselves and making choices based on personal advantage, it is critical to live for God and help others in the process (Philippians 2:3). If we truly love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, wouldn’t it also make sense for us to love the people He created (Matthew 22:36-40)? How can we claim to love God if we hate the people who He made in His image (Genesis 1:27)? I recognize that there are times in this world when we need to love ourselves and pursue things like rest, self-care, and leisure activities. However, such actions are not mutually exclusive with loving God and people. The Bible instructs us to love people as we would love ourselves.

At least one plausible reason exists to explain why God’s Word doesn’t ask us to love others more than ourselves. What good will you or I do if we neglect self-care to the point where we burn out? We need to familiarize ourselves with our limitations regarding stress tolerance and ability. It is also helpful to draw clear boundaries with family, friends, and even strangers that we should ensure are respected. If you over-exert and sideline yourself, you won’t be able to optimize serving God and maintaining your wellness physically, mentally, and spiritually. Typically we don’t drive our cars without following the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance. Why would it be any different with serving God? According to His example in Genesis, he wants us to rest at least one day per week, as He chose to do after creation (Genesis 2:2-3). It follows that He also wants us to pray. Otherwise, why would Jesus Christ have prayed to the Father (John 17:1-26)?

Ultimately, it is vital to make sacrifices within the scope of your capacity for God’s glory. Under these circumstances, it can be an opportunity for us to do our part as believers. There is no replacement for answering God’s call to walk in your purpose and abide in Him. In walking the path God has laid before each of us, we will experience difficulty, trouble, and sometimes even severe trials (John 16:33). However, He will always be with us when we need Him most. God will help us to navigate through the times when we have nothing left but to put our trust in Him. Furthermore, there is an indescribable sense of peace, joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction only God can provide His children (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Zephaniah 3:17, Psalm 94:19). When you and I step out in faith and make sacrifices for Him, God allows us to experience all of these blessings throughout our lives.

May we bring God glory by fully committing our works to Him. After all, our ultimate purpose is to bring God glory (1 Peter 4:7-11). You and I can do this by fearing Him and obeying His commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). When we position ourselves to make this our daily practice, we will find true satisfaction, and rest assured we delight Him in the process (Psalm 112:1).

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” – John Piper.

There are some interesting side effects of focusing outside of ourselves. Perhaps it never rings truer than when we apply this energy and attention to the matters that God wants us to direct our focus. I cannot remember when I felt any regret after pursuing God’s will. On the contrary, there is a strong association with giving our time, energy, and effort that correlates with personal satisfaction. As our Lord and Savior said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).” There is joy and peace associated with executing God’s purposes with a cheerful attitude. While the aspects of being a cheerful giver in a monetary sense are explicitly stated in God’s Word, serving God in many other forms with a similar disposition has proven to be a significant blessing in my life (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Another noteworthy aspect of looking outside oneself is avoiding idolatry of our situation. As mentioned above, there may be seasons where you need to look out for yourself with God’s help to sustain yourself. Situations that require radical attention to one’s care are part of life as it often gets quite challenging. However, looking at the big picture, it is crucial to avoid doing this exclusively at the expense of generosity. Instead, we ought to open our hearts to the needs of others because in fulfilling those needs, we will see that God often meets our needs in the process (Proverbs 11:25). When we find ourselves in a situation to offer a helping hand, counsel a friend, or volunteer to help someone in need, we are simultaneously relying on God to help us continue to look after ourselves. Rather than the emptiness found in seeking pleasure, comfort, and luxuries for ourselves at all times, we instead get to enjoy the fruits of our labor for others (Philippians 2:3-4). 

How often have we seen those who appear to have everything the world offers face intense personal turmoil? It doesn’t take much time to observe a lack of fulfillment, direction, and satisfaction plague even those with the most money, fame, and power. There is deceitfulness about the riches in this life and the numerous, fleeting allures of the flesh (Mark 4:18-20). But, of course, having a lot of money is not always a curse when we approach it with a desire to steward it for the glory of God. If God equips you to do so, it can be a responsibility that He can bless you with the wisdom to allocate appropriately (Mark 25:14-30). 

The key is that He would guide our motivations and that we would submit to His will with it. It becomes a problem when we seek it for personal enrichment alone without consideration for what God would lead us to do with it. After all, if our entire lives genuinely revolve around the will of God, then we should also surrender our finances to His lead. Granted, we’re not all called to sell all we have and donate it outright, as we observe in the parable of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:21-22). However, that doesn’t take away from the responsibility involved with what we do with it. If we utilize a good portion of it for the things of God over the long haul, we will experience those fruits. Putting money to work for God will yield eternal reward, and there is no better investment than that. To do so successfully takes consistent prayer, generosity, and open-mindedness to the commands of God when we know He is guiding us in a particular direction. 

One last aspect of outward focus that deserves attention is deciding how to allot our time. If our hearts are fully seeking God, the way we invest our time will reflect that reality. Remember, where we invest our treasure is a vital indicator of the status of our hearts (Matthew 6:19-21). It may not be a common realization or at least something we don’t always consider, but time is among our greatest treasures here on earth. Each passing minute is one we will not have the chance to assign to another pursuit again. As such, we should consider doing things for God with a sense of urgency. There is a limited amount of time on earth, but every minute has the potential to have an eternal impact (Ephesians 5:15-21). For instance, taking proactive steps to pursue evangelism opportunities, interceding in prayer, or actively utilizing our God-given talents could yield eternal blessings. The key is that we don’t allow this urgency to stress us out but abide in God as we serve Him with intentionality. Doing His work should not become a heavy burden, and we need to seek Him to refresh us when we feel weary (Galatians 6:9, Matthew 11:28-30). 

At the end of our lives, we will not regret one minute invested in seeking God and building His Kingdom. I cannot say the same for the time we squandered pursuing the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Thankfully, if you are reading this as a believer, you no longer have to concern yourself with the weight of past mistakes. Surrender your cares to God, and move on with the complete confidence that you do not need to dwell in condemnation anymore (Romans 8:1). Once God has forgiven you, forgive yourself, repent, and pursue God in such a way that demonstrates you have learned from your mistakes. Once you do that, there is nothing that will be able to hold you back from accomplishing God’s will, and your sacrifices on this earth will one-day yield everlasting blessings none of us can even fathom (Romans 8:18). May God bless you with the desires of your heart as you continually seek to align those longings with His will for you (Psalm 37:4).

It may take substantial time to feel the same proximity to God we once enjoyed. As we turn back to Him in repentance, He will be faithful to stay true to His Word. We must pray diligently like King David, who asked that God restore the joy of salvation (Psalm 51:12). It’s critical for us also to draw near to God again as He is still within our reach (Isaiah 55:6). Sin always carries inevitable consequences, but it doesn’t mean you can lose your salvation. Salvation is an eternal gift that God will not take away from you if you are a true convert. It’s our heavenly rewards and blessings that could be compromised if we turn away from God’s plans for us. It’s important to note that when we walk in the faith, the visible evidence in our lives demonstrates that we’re believers. If you haven’t pursued any transformation at all, and you walk in all the same sins you used to before your conversion, then this ought to be cause for alarm. 

God doesn’t expect us to arrive at perfect sanctification on this side of Heaven, but it would be unusual for a convert not to see some level of transformation. Over time God will support you and lead you to overcome more and more sin. Essentially, our behavior should look different from when we were non-believers. Demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit such as joy, gentleness, peace, love, self-control, faithfulness, kindness, and goodness are the hallmark of a believer (Galatians 5:22-23). Hopefully, over time you will grow to do so with a higher frequency as the Holy Spirit leads you.

Sometimes, God will discipline us somehow if we miss the mark in one or several areas for a prolonged period. After all, He corrects those whom He loves (Hebrews 12:6-11). In such cases, we would be wise not to disregard His correction but rather embrace it as part of being a believer. Running away from God, not praying, or disobeying Him further would only serve to prolong the process. Instead, if we seek Him diligently and pursue holiness in our lives, we will see this season pass and hopefully learn a great deal from it. Furthermore, we would have the opportunity to apply those lessons that we learned for the rest of our journey with God. 

Of course, not everything negative that transpires constitutes this kind of correction. Some things that happen to us may not have a spiritual connection, but they do serve some purpose in God’s grand scheme of things. Otherwise, we wouldn’t experience the situation in question to begin. It would also be prudent to continually seek God through life’s ups and downs, not just when things are amazingly good or terrible. When we take actions like this, it demonstrates to God that we want to be with Him, above all else, no matter what. It indicates that we don’t need some drastic event to become the catalyst for reaching out to Him. He wants us to pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ, the sole Mediator between God and us, not just treat Him as if He was some genie (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

No matter where you’re at or how far or close you feel to God, we all need to pursue Him daily. Amid all the chaos, noise, and various distractions the world offers — it’s not hard to get sidetracked from the real priorities in life. If you’ve tasted of God’s goodness, you know that there’s nothing on this earth that is worth more than an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ (Psalm 34:8). The fulfillment of peace, joy, and every aspect of God’s presence ought to be more valuable to us than anything else. Imagine how much more excellent Heaven will be if that’s what we experience on earth! Praise God for sending His only son Jesus Christ to die on the cross to redeem us from spending eternity in hell (Galatians 3:13-14). Now that God’s abundant grace and mercy facilitated this precious gift through His Son, Jesus Christ, it’s par for the course for us to desire to bring Him glory. After all, bringing God glory is our purpose here on earth (1 Peter 4:7-19).

Interestingly, this unshakable foundation in Jesus Christ empowers us with the grace to pursue His will. We can most assuredly still appreciate the gifts our God has supplied, but we are infinitely better off trusting God rather than our ability. If we cultivate humility, it will facilitate our service to God in light of His calling for us. We will not need to worry about who receives the credit for our actions when we remember that God is our ultimate audience.

When we remind ourselves that He is continuously keeping perfect score, there is no room to worry about the trivial injustices that we face in this life. Man cannot close the doors God desires to open, and likewise, we are unable to force open the ones He wants to be shut. Accepting that this is part of life and embracing each season will help us find satisfaction in Him. Then, when we rest our delight in God, we show Him in faith that we are not over-valuing the things of this world over Him. In other words, we ought to look at God, Himself, as our reward rather than what He may generously provide us.

Another blessing to us is recognizing His sovereignty in the sense that He has perfectly ordained what appear to be imperfect circumstances to come to pass. No matter how good or bad things are, God allowed for those exact situations in our lives for His eternal glory and our eternal good if we love Him and obey His commands (Romans 8:28). He foreknew us and knitted us together in each of our mother’s wombs (Psalm 139:13-15). God knew the triumphs we would celebrate and the mistakes we would make along the way. He even knew the many sins we would commit and struggle with but still saw it fit to call us among His children.

Does this sound like the kind of God who would value you based on your performance? I certainly do not believe so. It is essential not to absolve ourselves because of this line of thinking from doing good works to the glory of God. However, they are more along the lines of a symptom to our being His children and not the mechanism by which we find good standing in God’s sight. Neither do we offer anything other than our sin when it comes to salvation. After all, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). Yet, even our faith is provided in a given measure to each of us according to God’s desire.

As believers, we ought not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought (Romans 12:3). It is vital to esteem others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3)! Indeed, this is a radical position to take compared to how the majority of our society operates. If we are honest, it is often an individual aspiration for us as believers to ensure we progress in achieving these Biblical ideals. However, putting ourselves in a position of humility usually opens doors for us to serve others in distinctive ways. It also provides a great deal of satisfaction to look outside oneself to help others instead of exclusively thinking of our well-being (Acts 20:35). It is no wonder that many of our fellow brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ encourage us and set examples for us with this kind of perspective in their hearts.

Once we have tasted the joy and satisfaction offered to us by abiding in God, it is only logical to continue in line with that calling (John 15:4-11). Nothing the world can offer us parallels such blessings. Furthermore, it grants us the unique opportunity to give as if we were giving unto God Himself (Matthew 25:31-40). Of course, this proposition only becomes more appealing when we remember that we are in the business of storing up heavenly treasures in the process, too (Matthew 6:19-21). Is there a greater combined motivation than to know you are directly giving to God’s purposes and positioning yourself by His grace to receive eternal rewards too?

We must often fight for these realities to come to fruition. The walk of a believer is not to be taken lightly. Each of us must count the cost and act respectively (Luke 14:26-33). We need to persevere over obstacles through reliance on God and overcome the waves of difficulty and temptations that come our way. Yet, if we turn to God and His provisions, we will not face a situation that we cannot conquer with the help of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:37). On the same token, it is of great assistance to keep an eternal disposition when we deal with worldly setbacks or trials.

It is with our eye on Jesus Christ and maintaining that eternal position that we come back full circle to the blessing of God’s sovereignty in our lives—reminding ourselves that even in the deepest valleys, our God has a plan for us. While the seasons may be unpleasant at times, there will always be another tomorrow to look forward to as long as God desires for us to serve Him here on earth. Finally, when our time here has run short, we can take confidence in the knowledge that we ran the race set before us with vigor for God’s glory. We can be sure, as believers, our destination ahead of us is unfathomably preferable (Hebrews 12:1-2).

In the end, the believer is truly faced with a win-win scenario, for we know that to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). Whether we live or die, we are in the hands of a God that loves us, knows us better than we know ourselves, and desires what is best for us in an eternal context. After all, nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39)!

For example, God often provides us with the “peace that transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). The joy of the Lord is also our strength, which we can rely on in our times of greatest need (Nehemiah 8:10). God often rewards those who are good in His sight with knowledge, wisdom, and joy (Ecclesiastes 2:26). When we are immersed in God’s will, consistently experiencing His joy, it’s typically difficult for the devil to snare us with sin. In my experience, I am susceptible to sin when I am not focused on Jesus Christ. Triggers such as tiredness, loneliness, anger, hunger, and stress may open the door to sinful behavior. However, even with the presence of some of these, if we are joyful in the Lord’s will, we may still not be shaken. On the flip side, if we don’t pray consistently (1 Thessalonians 5:17), armor up (Ephesians 6:10-20), and rely on the joy of the Lord to sustain us, it’s only a matter of time before the allures of the flesh become more appealing.

Pursuing happiness in worldly passions is a never-ending treadmill. The eyes are never satisfied with seeing, the ears with hearing, nor the mouth with eating (Proverbs 27:20). The insatiable appetite of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are all a bottomless pit that can deceive even the most faithful if we become complacent (1 John 2:16). The solution is to find joy in the Lord and faithfully trust Him to satisfy all your needs, so you don’t fall victim to inferior, fleeting pleasures and distractions. When we starve the flesh and feed the spirit, we position ourselves to appreciate God’s peace, joy, and comfort far more than anything else this world has to offer. 

Of course, there are legitimate forms of happiness that can present themselves in life, but even these have the potential to become a threat if we prize them too highly. Therefore, it’s essential to keep our priorities in order. Always seek God and His righteousness first. Surely everything else will fall into order when we do (Matthew 6:33). When our prayer and Bible reading time revolves around spending quiet time with God and learning about His Word, we will be on guard against the schemes of the adversary. Thirsting for righteousness in such a way is an excellent barrier to any temptations that may arise. We ought to also take comfort that our brothers and sisters across the globe face similar battles alongside us (1 Peter 5:8-9). No matter how hard it may seem, Jesus Christ has experienced them to a degree we cannot fathom and helps us in our distress. After all, He is our High Priest Who sympathizes perfectly to being tempted in every way as we were, yet remains victorious without sin (Hebrews 4:14-16).

There are moments of happiness we can cherish without worry. As long as it doesn’t become a form of idolatry or distract us from the things that matter most, I don’t see any problem. However, if we give way to pleasure or satisfaction that is sinful by nature, we tend to desensitize and grow numb to the consequences. Furthermore, our hearts can become hardened and our consciences seared if we’re not careful. On the other hand, when we enjoy pleasure according to God’s design, we can delight in it guilt-free without concern of earthly or eternal consequences. For instance, God designed sex for a man and a woman to enjoy in marriage. When we do it His way and wait for matrimony, there will be blessings tied to that level of obedience. Whereas if we compromise and commit adultery or fornication, there are consequences for disobedience. Yes, God can forgive us and empower us to repent from sin, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences for such decisions. Thank God that there is no need to worry about the past, however, as there is no more condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). 

As you can see, there are many potential pitfalls and blessings of happiness in life. While joy found in God truly has no penalty and is a God-given gift. We cannot generate lasting satisfaction alone. We must rely on God to acquire it. It is something we can continually experience in fellowship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Such fellowship is a supernatural blessing. Is there anything more comforting than to know that God is there for us and willingly offers this gift to all His children that seek it in Him? We shouldn’t allow sin to get in the way and form a barrier in our communication with Jesus Christ. If we immerse ourselves in habitual sin, we cannot simultaneously experience God’s joy at its peak anymore, if at all. Of course, by God’s grace, we can repent, seek forgiveness, and obtain it once again. Otherwise, none of us would be able to establish intimacy with God after we stumble in sin. However, next time you feel tempted to compromise, keep in mind a few of these things:

• The allure of sin at its inception is much more appealing than the result.
• Sin promises to provide much more than it ever provides.
• The rewards for staying faithful may not always feel obvious but are incomparably superior.
• Every single battle over sin is worth winning, even when they seem inconsequential.
• Jesus Christ is victorious over sin and death, so we have the authority through Him to resist and walk in that freedom rather than slavery to sin.

Often, when I don’t rush my feet into evil and, at the bare minimum, delay my sinful appetite, I notice that the desire fades away into obscurity (1 Peter 5:10). This reality is why we ought to stand firm. It’s only a matter of time before God offers you a way of escape or otherwise empowers you to resist until the temptation subsides (1 Corinthians 10:13). Joy in the Lord is one of the greatest weapons in stopping this kind of threat in its tracks. Don’t settle for the counterfeit pleasure when you can experience the joy of God both on earth and throughout eternity. Ask God to help you by praying the following prayer or something similar amid temptation:

“Dear God, 

I want to store up Heavenly treasures over worldly pleasures and desires. Please find it in your heart to help me avoid succumbing to the desires of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life? I submit to your sovereignty and surrender my sin at your feet. Please deliver me from evil and help me cling to what is good in your sight so that I may delight You.

In Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name, I pray. Amen!”