How Will You Spend The Rest Of Your Life?

I often look at what matters to me—influence, reputation, power, and legacy, for my own name—and want to spend my time chasing these things.

But when I look at what matters to God—me becoming more like Jesus—I also want to pursue that.

And, because I am a man and human—these two desires compete daily. I want what I want, and I also want what God wants.

I have found that these two don’t mix. And so I recognize I have a problem: an internal battle that requires ongoing, decisive action. I have to ask myself: will I spend the rest of my life chasing my own desires? Or will I be eager to pursue what God wants for me?

I know this is the heart and character change God wants to see me grow in:

– love

– self control

– holiness

– patience

– humility

– using my gifts well

– serving others

– being faithful + obedient

– doing good

– sharing what God has done

– generosity

…to ultimately be shaped to be more like Jesus.

But on my own, left to myself, I am sunk. Left to myself, I will ultimately give in to my selfish wants.

So here is the good news—If I have a desire to do what God wants—I know He is already working in me. And according to Peter, if I know Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I have everything I need for living a godly life.

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who calls us to himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4

My own performance will fall short and give in, but God’s power, working in me, will give me the strength and ability to persevere and endure faithfully.

And so, my response to this is to stand firm, to respond in obedience, and continue to pursue Jesus. My only hope is the faith that God is working in me to shape me, renew my mind, change my desires, and make me more like His son. And this is what I really want to spend the rest of my life chasing.