Do you ever get that nagging feeling something is missing in your Christian life? When we stop to listen to our hearts, there’s a cry for more that’s hard to ignore. More joy. More meaning. More purpose. More love. We want more out of our relationship with God.

Maybe you’ve gone searching for more already — attended conferences, read books, tried spiritual disciplines — but still came up empty handed. There’s nothing wrong with these activities, but the greatest cause of dissatisfaction among Christians is neglecting Jesus’ call on their lives.

Jesus didn’t make it complicated. There are four things we need to remember:

  1. Jesus came to give us abundant life.

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b).

  1. Abundant life will cost us everything.

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me( Matthew 6:24).

  1. Abundant life happens when we prioritize Jesus’ mission.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you (Matthew 28:19-20).

  1. Abundant life is only possible through Jesus' empowering presence.

Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:21).

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves (Galatians 5:16, NLT).

We have a choice to make. We can remain discontent, relying on our own strength and holding on to terms and conditions in our relationship with Jesus. Or we can make an unqualified, total commitment to obey Jesus in the Spirit’s power anytime, anywhere, at any cost, to do anything. With Jesus at the center, we’ll discover a joy we’ve never known. Our lives will be full of purpose and meaning as we live out our unique part in fulfilling Jesus’ mission to reach others.

Are you all in? Would you make that commitment today by praying the prayer below?

Dear Jesus, I want you in the center of my life and commit to serve and obey you in the Spirit's power. Anytime. Anywhere. At any cost. To do anything. Amen.

updated September 2019

Photo Credit: Evan Dennis