Jesus-Centered

Psalm 115:1 says, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory.”

In a world where success, status, and material things seem to be so important, it is very hard to live a Jesus-centered life instead of a self-centered life.  Being self-centered is natural, since we are born into this world thinking only of our needs, and by our sinful nature it continues into our adult life if we allow it. 

This was from a devotion last week, which said that God wants for us to have the things our heart desires and so much more.  But he never tells us to pursue those “things”.  He tells us to pursue Jesus. 

In my devotion this morning, the writer says “…the gifts of God never seem like gifts to those who pursue them instead of the Giver…but to those who seek only God, all other gifts become even greater blessings.”  The writer also warns us to be careful about what we pursue because it will eventually define us. 

So what did I take away from both of these studies?  In pursuing Jesus, we begin to trust God to take care of those things – which He promised to do in His own time and way.  However, most of the time we try to satisfy ourselves and end up really messing things up.  I know I have been guilty of this too many times to count in my own life and I have suffered the consequences time and time again.  Seeking our own kingdom is a heavy burden to bear and leads to much frustration and heartache.

Instead, we are called to lead a Jesus-centered life where we are preoccupied with His glory (not our own), depending on His ability to provide and protect (not our own), and a pursuit of his dominion alone (not our own).  See a theme here?  I did.

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  What are these things?  In the verses leading up to verse 33, we are reminded that God clothes the grass of the field, so how much more does He love and care for His children?  He says “do not be anxious” about what you will eat, or drink, or wear.  Our Heavenly Father already knows what we need and he will supply those needs.  The key here is that our “needs” are not always what He knows we need, but His plan for us is so much better than anything we could plan for ourselves.