Purpose in life

We are not to seek a life of comfort and security. Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?’ (vv.24–26, MSG). Following Jesus involves denying yourself, taking up your cross and following him (v.24). This is the way to find life in all its fullness. Wealth, in one sense, is utterly pointless. The real measure of your wealth is what you would be worth if you lost all your money. Purpose in life is far more important than property or possessions. All the money in the world, all the success in the world, all the fame in the world, all the power in the world is nothing if you lose your soul (v.26) and miss out on what life is all about. On the other hand, if you follow Jesus and surrender your life to him, you find the very purpose of life. The words of Jesus are so powerful. There has never been a time when it is more important to ‘listen to him’ than now!