Has it really been a month already? It feels like January has stretched on endlessly, doesn’t it? Perhaps you’ve felt it too—the way these early days of the year seem long and heavy. How has life been for you so far?
Maybe you started the month with a long to-do list and a vision board, reminding yourself of your desire to become a better person this year—healthier, wealthier, happier, and living a fuller life. You may feel wiser as you grow older. And for my fellow classmates—Generation Z? (Haha!)—those of us born in 1997 are turning twenty-eight this year. You might feel like it's time to take life more seriously, not wanting to waste time or opportunities. You’re realizing that youth doesn’t last forever, and you’re eager to explore new possibilities and strive for more. Your future goals might include saving more money, working harder, seeking promotions, praying for a godly spouse, and pursuing personal ambitions. These are all good things—but they are not the ultimate purpose of life.
Often, I find myself frustrated when I fall short of my own expectations. I mark my failures in red, thinking that I should be more fruitful, more kind, more accomplished to be considered a good believer and a positive role model. Yet, I still struggle with my sinful nature. We live in a world full of temptations, where our worth is constantly measured by external factors—our achievements in ministry, career, or relationships. Whether we admit it or not, we often define ourselves by these things. By nature, we are selfish, and there is nothing good in us apart from God. No matter how hard we try to improve ourselves or become the best versions of who we want to be, we will inevitably fall. Left to ourselves, there is nothing to take pride in.
But striving to become more like Jesus yields far greater results than simply trying to improve ourselves. Have you recognized God’s goodness in giving His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life? Have you rejoiced because your name is written in heaven? Have you taken a moment to celebrate the fact that Jesus knows you personally? Have you ever paused to reflect on the incredible truth that He came to Earth to save sinners and the lost?
Have you grasped the humility of Jesus—choosing to die on the cross, bearing the wrath and judgment of God so that we could have a relationship with Him? Have you allowed God to love you? Have you accepted Jesus and humbly asked for His forgiveness and mercy? Have you thanked God for not leaving you alone in confusion but instead guiding you through the Holy Spirit? Do you understand that whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did? Our daily obedience may be simple, but it is life-changing—to glorify God and enjoy Him, just as Jesus did.
The days pass in the blink of an eye. We are always busy, bombarded with distractions that push us to want more, do more, and chase after things that promise a meaningful life. Yet, in our pursuit of purpose, we often fail to truly know Christ, to desire Him above all, and to align ourselves with His perfect plans for His kingdom.
We are blinded by our self-centeredness, unwilling to embrace self-sacrifice or put our sinful nature to death. The culture we live in today is obsessed with chasing hype, productivity hacks, and self-love, often at the expense of others. We seek entertainment over discipline, validation over restoration. We feel ashamed of God’s Word rather than delighting in it. We walk with entitlement instead of humility.
But we must let go of our self-centeredness, cowardice, and hopelessness. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, we will find contentment in Him. As we seek His purpose, we will discover true satisfaction and the fullness of life. And even as we desire success and blessings, we can trust that He will provide them in His perfect time and way.
Thank God for January! Thank you Jesus!
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you". Matthew 6:33
