A strong desire that is present in every human is the desire to find fulfillment in life. Most of us consistently go after this in many ways, from extreme adventure to drugs to relationships to vacations to sex to an endless number of other possibilities. Finding fulfillment is something we all seek for. Yet God has already made it clear how we can live the fullest life possible. We live the fulfilled life when we choose to die to ourselves. In other words, to really live we must die!

 

Consider Bible verses like…

  • Matthew 10:39 – “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”
  • John 12:24 – “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”
  • Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”

 

Some have said that salvation costs us nothing. I supposed there’s truth in the statement that salvation is free to us. Yet if we want to go beyond a salvation experience and move forward in our spiritual life by living daily for God, the costs just increased dramatically. In fact, I believe that a life truly devoted to doing the will of God is a life that is willing to give up everything. It’s a life that has paid the highest price possible, as it’s a life that has died to itself and is now being lived for God.
When we live a life that is committed to the things of God, our primary thought is no longer, “What do I get out of this?” Our primary thought becomes, “What will others get out of this?” Our mindset changes from “I’m going to take the easiest path” to “I’m going to take the path that helps me spiritually grow the most.” Instead of thinking about yourself and what will bring pleasure to you, you now think more about others and what will help them in their lives. Remember, you’re no longer living…you’re dead! You’ve died to yourself and are now seeking to bring true fulfillment to others. And in doing so, you’re also finding the most fulfilling life possible for yourself.

 

I hope this week you’ll think about the Bible verses I listed above, and that you’ll consider how you can make them more a part of who you are and who you’re becoming. I hope you’ll seek for people in need (trust me, there are plenty out there) and that you’ll seek to serve others more than you ever have before. I believe as you do these things, you’ll find the fulfilled life that you’re seeking after. That’s good news! Even better news is: Others will also draw closer to finding fulfillment in their lives as they see your example of living a life that is sacrificed for God.