Do you live in Me-Me land? Are you only looking for self-fulfillment in this life? Or are you living for something bigger? This world around us tries to teach us to solely look after ourselves and seek self-gratification. Like that would bring us happiness and fulfillment in the long run.

But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. (Matthew 6:33, AMP,*)

The kingdom of God works the other way around. When we first strive after God and his will, we will receive everything we need here on earth as well. And, most importantly, we will be filled with grace and peace. Then we are truly fulfilled. Not by self-fulfillment but by grace-fulfillment.

We are indeed called to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And that is a tall order (but we are not left alone to do so, the Holy Spirit is empowering us if we just ask). We need to leave our selfish desires at the foot of the cross. We need to live our lives Jesus in mind. What that looks for each of us is different and that’s why we need to ask Jesus to show us how he wants us to live every day of our lives. But here are some general guide lines for all of us:

1) Seek God first – Invite God into your life daily; seek his wisdom and guidance.
2) Live for Christ – Let the gospel of Christ form your days, your life.
3) Be filled with the Holy Spirit – Allow the Holy Spirit freely work in/through you.

All in all, seek grace-fulfillment, not self-fulfillment. And your life will flourish. God will bring gifts into your life: grace, peace, joy, love, hope. You will be fulfilled with God’s goodness forever and ever. Nothing better than grace-fulfillment. No matter what the world says, self-fulfillment leaves you empty. Grace-fulfillment makes you who you were meant to be. Like said, nothing better than grace-fulfillment.

 

Gracious God,
You are truly amazing.
Forgive us for being so selfish
and seeking our own good.
Fill us with your Spirit.
Help us to live lives worthy of the gospel.
Enable us to be forever grace-fulfilled.
Show us how to live the way honoring you
in everything we do and say.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Are you seeking self-fulfillment or grace-fulfillment?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you live your life worth of the gospel of Christ!

* [As you might have noticed, I enjoy reading the Bible in different translations and love comparing them. I have started linking the Bible verses to Biblegateway.com so you can easily read (and compare) them in the different versions I’ve used while preparing each post.]

Image courtesy of Zack Fonville, design Mari-Anna Stålnacke. This post is refurbished from 2010. Linking up today with Unite the Bloggersphere , Three Word Wednesday and #tellhisstory.