Are you missing out?

What is really important to you? Take a minute to reflect on that question.

What do you invest your time in? Think through your daily schedule.

Do those two line up?

We often say something is important to us, but when we look at our lives, some of the things we say are important aren’t really that important to us.

Jesus said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:34-38)

Are you hanging on to your life? Are you so busy trying to fill your life for your own pleasure that you are missing out on a more abundant life?

Why do you think so many celebrities struggle with alcoholism, drug addictions, breaking the law, and even suicide? It’s because they have learned—often the hard way, unfortunately—that popularity, fame, and money are empty. Sure, those things may look glamorous. But once they get there, they realize how worthless it really is.

But we still try to capture a little of their world by dressing like them, watching TV shows about them, buying magazines about them, acting like them, and dreaming about their life. Personally, I think a lot of Christians are miserable because they try to “obey the rules” of Christianity while trying to live like a rock star. You can’t have it both ways and find the peace and joy Jesus talks about and offers.

Following Jesus is not another hobby or activity to put on your calendar; it is a radical lifestyle choice that calls you to pick up your cross and follow.

shine!
Jason